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When to plant Lovage in Sherman County, KS

Sherman County's 162-day season only supports one Lovage planting per year. Sow between May 9 and May 23 for the best chance at full maturity before October 11.

When to Plant Lovage in Sherman County, KS

Sherman County, Kansas Zone 6a July

Top priorities for Sherman County, Kansas gardeners in July

Your garden in Sherman County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 11
Soil temp (4") 79°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.5 hrs
  1. Bring in the lovage

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Get ahead of August
  • First harvests: lovage

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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.

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 831 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Sherman County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Sherman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (23 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1

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 Sherman County

How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Sherman 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 (4.1%) — Lovage will thrive.

How to Plant Lovage

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Lovage

2
successive plantings in your 162-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.

Lovage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,141 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Sherman 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 needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 2,349 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline — Sherman County, KS

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 19

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Sherman County

Growing Tips for Lovage in Sherman County

Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 02 in Sherman 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.

Sherman County receives only 25" of rain annually. Lovage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Lovage in Sherman County, KS?

In Sherman County, KS, plant Lovage after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sherman County, KS for Lovage?

Sherman County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Sherman County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Sherman County's temperate climate. Sherman County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sherman County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sherman County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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