When to plant Oregano in Moultrie County, IL
Moultrie County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Oregano April 21–May 5 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Oregano in Moultrie County, IL
June in the garden — Moultrie County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Moultrie County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting oregano
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: oregano
Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. 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 596 feet, Moultrie County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Oregano to ensure they mature before fall.
Moultrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Oregano 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 Moultrie County
How your county's soil matches Oregano's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Oregano's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Moultrie County is excellent for Oregano — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Oregano will thrive.
How to Plant Oregano
Succession Planting Oregano
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Oregano Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Oregano
Oregano 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 | Oregano Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Moultrie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Oregano 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.
Oregano Planting Timeline — Moultrie 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
| 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 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Moultrie County
Growing Tips for Oregano in Moultrie County
Direct sow Oregano outdoors after April 14 in Moultrie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Oregano in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Oregano in Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County is in Zone 6a 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 Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Oregano in Moultrie County, IL?
In Moultrie 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 Moultrie County, IL for Oregano?
Moultrie County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Oregano grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Oregano grow in Moultrie County's climate?
Yes — Oregano grows well in Moultrie County's temperate climate. Moultrie County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Moultrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moultrie 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.