When to plant Savory in DeKalb County, IL
In DeKalb County, Savory is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 29–May 13 for an 50–70-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.
When to Plant Savory in DeKalb County, IL
This month in DeKalb County, Illinois
Your DeKalb County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: savory
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,332 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 DeKalb County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in DeKalb County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Savory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Savory will thrive.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeKalb 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 — DeKalb County, IL
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for Savory in DeKalb County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 22 in DeKalb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Savory in DeKalb County, IL?
In DeKalb County, IL, plant Savory after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeKalb County, IL for Savory?
DeKalb County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in DeKalb County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 16.
Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.