When to plant Savory in Floyd County, IA
In Floyd County, Savory is a spring-only crop. Plant May 8–May 22 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Savory in Floyd County, IA
Top priorities for Floyd County, Iowa gardeners in August
Here's what deserves your attention in Floyd County, Iowa this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Bring in the savory
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 714 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.
Floyd County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Floyd County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Floyd County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Floyd 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 — Floyd County, IA
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
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 | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Floyd County
Growing Tips for Savory in Floyd County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 01 in Floyd 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 Floyd County, IA?
Floyd County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Floyd County, IA?
Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Savory in Floyd County, IA?
In Floyd County, IA, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Floyd County, IA for Savory?
Floyd 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 Floyd County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Floyd County's temperate climate. Floyd County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.
Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd 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.