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When to plant Epazote in Barnstable County, MA

Barnstable County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Epazote between April 25 (after last frost on April 18) and May 16.

When to Plant Epazote in Barnstable County, MA

Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.

Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 518 feet, Barnstable County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Barnstable County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Barnstable County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote

Epazote needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Epazote Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barnstable County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Epazote Planting Timeline — Barnstable County, MA

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

45–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Barnstable County

Growing Tips for Barnstable County

Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Barnstable County, MA?

Barnstable County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barnstable County, MA?

Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Epazote in Barnstable County, MA?

In Barnstable County, MA, plant Epazote after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Barnstable County, MA for Epazote?

Barnstable County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Epazote grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Epazote grow in Barnstable County's climate?

Yes — Epazote grows well in Barnstable County's temperate climate. Barnstable County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Barnstable County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Barnstable 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.

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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 Barnstable County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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