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When to plant Savory in Clay County, IL

Plant Savory in Clay County during the brief April 21–May 5 window. With 186 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 17.

When to Plant Savory in Clay County, IL

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.

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 Savory 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

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Savory

Savory needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Savory Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Savory Planting Timeline — Clay County, IL

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 11

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
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Clay County, IL?

Clay County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Savory 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 Savory in Clay County, IL?

In Clay County, IL, plant Savory 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 Savory?

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

Can Savory grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Savory 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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