When to plant Savory in Fayette County, IA
Plant Savory in Fayette County, between May 12 and May 26 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (153 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Savory in Fayette County, IA
This month in Fayette County, Iowa
Here's what deserves your attention in Fayette County, Iowa this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest savory as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,228 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.
Fayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Fayette County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Savory will thrive.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fayette 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 — Fayette County, IA
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 |
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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Fayette County
Growing Tips for Savory in Fayette County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 05 in Fayette 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 Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Savory in Fayette County, IA?
In Fayette County, IA, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fayette County, IA for Savory?
Fayette County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in Fayette County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 5.
Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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.