When to Plant Garlic Chives in Audubon County, IA
This month in Audubon County, Iowa
May is a pivotal month for Audubon County, Iowa gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Move garlic chives from tray to bed
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Audubon County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Garlic Chives during the growing season.
Audubon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Audubon County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Garlic Chives's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Audubon County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Garlic Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives 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 | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Audubon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Chives 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.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Audubon County, IA
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Audubon County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Audubon County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after April 28 in Audubon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Audubon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Audubon County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.