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When to plant Oregano in Clay County, IL

Clay County's 186-day season only supports one Oregano planting per year. Sow between April 21 and May 5 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.

When to Plant Oregano in Clay County, IL

Oregano

Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.

Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Clay County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Oregano during the growing season.

Clay County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Oregano Planting Timeline — Clay County, IL

Oregano Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Sep 1

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay County

Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Harvest just before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut plants back to a few inches in spring to encourage vigorous new growth.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Oregano in Clay County, IL?

Clay County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Oregano planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, IL?

Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Oregano in Clay County, IL?

In Clay County, IL, plant Oregano after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, IL for Oregano?

Clay County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Oregano grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Oregano grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Oregano grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clay County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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