When to Plant Sorrel in Barber County, KS
Top priorities for Barber County, Kansas gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Barber County, Kansas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Sow sorrel in trays indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Pick sorrel
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: sorrel
Sorrel is a perennial herb with tangy, lemon-flavored arrow-shaped leaves. It is one of the first greens to emerge in spring and is used in soups and salads.
Barber County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 964 feet, Barber County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Barber County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.1
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 Barber County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.1) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Barber County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Sorrel will thrive.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sorrel
Sorrel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sorrel Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barber County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel 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.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Barber County, KS
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Barber County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Barber County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 15 in Barber County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 192.0-day season in Barber County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Barber County receives only 21" of rain annually. Sorrel needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or fall. Remove flower stalks promptly to encourage leaf production. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Young leaves have the best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Barber County, KS?
Barber County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barber County, KS?
Barber County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Barber County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Barber County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.