When to plant Savory in Marshall County, IA
Plant Savory in Marshall County, between May 9 and May 23 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (158 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Savory in Marshall County, IA
This month in Marshall County, Iowa
Your garden in Marshall County, Iowa is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.
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It's harvest week for savory
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Marshall County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,379 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marshall 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 29 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Marshall 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 — Marshall 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
158 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Savory in Marshall County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 02 in Marshall 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 Marshall County, IA?
Marshall 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 Marshall County, IA?
Marshall County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Savory in Marshall County, IA?
In Marshall County, IA, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, IA for Savory?
Marshall 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 Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall 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.