When to Plant Caraway in Lee County, GA
May to-do list for Lee County, Georgia
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lee County, Georgia.
Caraway is a biennial herb grown for its distinctive crescent-shaped seeds used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and European cuisine. The leaves and roots are also edible.
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Caraway may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Caraway, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Caraway root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lee County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Caraway's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Caraway.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Caraway.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Caraway
Caraway needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Caraway Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Caraway Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Lee County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after March 07 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Caraway. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Lee County, provide afternoon shade for Caraway and water deeply in the morning.
Your 256.0-day growing season in Lee County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Caraway produces seeds in its second year. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown. The young leaves can be used like parsley.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Lee County, GA?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, GA?
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.