When to plant Savory in Lyon County, IA
Plant Savory in Lyon County, between May 9 and May 23 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (153 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Savory in Lyon County, IA
June to-do list for Lyon County, Iowa
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lyon County, Iowa this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,045 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 30.4 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.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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 Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lyon County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Savory will thrive.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lyon 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 — Lyon County, IA
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Savory in Lyon County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 02 in Lyon 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 Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Savory in Lyon County, IA?
In Lyon County, IA, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lyon County, IA for Savory?
Lyon 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 Lyon County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Lyon County's temperate climate. Lyon County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lyon 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.