When to plant Savory in Shelby County, IL
Shelby County's short 186-day growing season means one Savory planting between April 21 and May 5. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Savory in Shelby County, IL
This month in Shelby County, Illinois
A quick June briefing for Shelby County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Bring in the savory
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Shelby 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 807 feet, Shelby County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season.
Shelby County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Shelby County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Shelby County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Savory will thrive.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Shelby 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 — Shelby 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
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Shelby County
Growing Tips for Savory in Shelby County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 14 in Shelby 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 Shelby County, IL?
Shelby 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 Shelby County, IL?
Shelby 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 Shelby County, IL?
In Shelby 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 Shelby County, IL for Savory?
Shelby 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 Shelby County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Shelby County's temperate climate. Shelby County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Shelby County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Shelby 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.