When to plant Savory in Gem County, ID
Plant Savory in Gem County, between May 16 and May 30 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (145 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Savory in Gem County, ID
Your June planting checklist for Gem County, Idaho
Here's what deserves your attention in Gem County, Idaho this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: savory
Summer savory is an annual herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor that pairs especially well with beans. Winter savory is a perennial with a stronger flavor.
Gem County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 6,100 feet, Gem County receives approximately 16 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Savory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gem County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Savory 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 Gem County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.7) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gem County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Savory
Savory needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Savory Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Gem County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savory 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.
Savory Planting Timeline — Gem County, ID
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Gem County
Growing Tips for Savory in Gem County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 09 in Gem County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Gem County receives only 16" of rain annually. Savory needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow summer savory after last frost. Plant winter savory from divisions or cuttings. Harvest stems before flowering for best flavor. Use fresh or dried.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savory in Gem County, ID?
Gem County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gem County, ID?
Gem County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 1.
When should I plant Savory in Gem County, ID?
In Gem County, ID, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gem County, ID for Savory?
Gem County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in Gem County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Gem County's temperate climate. Gem County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 1.
Your Gem County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gem County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.