When to plant Lovage in Chartley, MA
Chartley sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Lovage May 3–May 17 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Lovage in Chartley, MA
Your June game plan for Bristol County, Massachusetts
Here's what deserves your attention in Bristol County, Massachusetts this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: lovage
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.
Chartley, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Chartley Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lovage 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 Chartley
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.7) is more acidic than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bristol County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Lovage Water Budget
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bristol 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 — Chartley, MA
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Bristol County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Chartley
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 26 in Bristol 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
When should I plant Lovage in Chartley, MA?
In Chartley, MA, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chartley, MA for Lovage?
Chartley sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lovage grow in Chartley's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Chartley's temperate climate. Chartley averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.
Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol 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.