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When to plant Caraway in Yoder, IN

The best window to plant Caraway in Yoder, is April 11–May 2, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 25; first frost October 21. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Caraway in Yoder, IN

Allen County, Indiana Zone 6a July

July to-do list for Allen County, Indiana

Your Allen County, Indiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 25
Avg. first frost October 21
Soil temp (4") 77°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.7 hrs
Before August arrives, get these ready
  • Fall sowing: caraway

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Caraway is a biennial herb grown for its distinctive crescent-shaped seeds used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and European cuisine. The leaves and roots are also edible.

Yoder, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 721 feet, Allen County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.

Yoder, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Yoder Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Caraway Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: Apr 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: Apr 30

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 Yoder

How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Caraway's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Allen County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Caraway.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Caraway will thrive.

How to Plant Caraway

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Caraway Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 639 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Caraway

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

Month Caraway Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Caraway 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.

Caraway needs ~5,603 GDD — county provides 2,461 GDD May not mature

Caraway Planting Timeline — Yoder, IN

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

365–450 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Allen County

Growing Tips for Caraway in Yoder

Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 25 in Allen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 179.0-day growing season in Allen County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Direct sow in spring or fall. Caraway produces seeds in its second year. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown. The young leaves can be used like parsley.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Caraway in Yoder, IN?

In Yoder, IN, plant Caraway after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Yoder, IN for Caraway?

Yoder sits in USDA Zone 6a. Caraway grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Caraway grow in Yoder's climate?

Yes — Caraway grows well in Yoder's temperate climate. Yoder averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Allen County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Allen 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.

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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 Allen County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.