When to Plant Marjoram in Edgar County, IL
May in the garden — Edgar County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Edgar County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: marjoram
Sweet marjoram is a tender perennial herb with a delicate, sweet oregano-like flavor. It is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking and pairs well with meats and vegetables.
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,272 feet, Edgar County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Marjoram to ensure they mature before fall.
Edgar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Edgar County
How your county's soil matches Marjoram's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is more acidic than Marjoram prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Edgar County is excellent for Marjoram — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Marjoram will thrive.
How to Plant Marjoram
Succession Planting Marjoram
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Marjoram
Marjoram needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Marjoram Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edgar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Marjoram 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.
Marjoram Planting Timeline — Edgar County, IL
Marjoram Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Edgar County
Growing Tips for Marjoram in Edgar County
Direct sow Marjoram outdoors after April 18 in Edgar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Harvest stems just as flower buds appear for peak flavor. In cold climates, grow as an annual or bring containers indoors.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Marjoram in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Marjoram in Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Marjoram planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Edgar County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Edgar County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.