When to plant Savory in Carter County, KY
Plant Savory in Carter County, between April 25 and May 9 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (187 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Savory in Carter County, KY
Your August gardening checklist
A quick August briefing for Carter County, Kentucky gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for savory
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 3,358 feet, Carter County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Carter County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carter County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carter 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 — Carter County, KY
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Savory in Carter County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 18 in Carter 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 Carter County, KY?
Carter County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, KY?
Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Savory in Carter County, KY?
In Carter County, KY, plant Savory after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carter County, KY for Savory?
Carter County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in Carter County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.