When to Plant Lovage in Tama County, IA
Tama County, Iowa gardeners: here's your May plan
Your garden in Tama County, Iowa is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Plant out lovage
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Tama County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,268 feet, Tama County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Tama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Tama County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Tama County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lovage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage
Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lovage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Tama County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage 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.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Tama County, IA
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – 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
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Tama County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Tama County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 28 in Tama County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Tama County, IA?
Tama County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tama County, IA?
Tama County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Tama County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tama 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.