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When to plant Savory in Chippewa County, MI

Chippewa County's short 153-day growing season means one Savory planting between May 21 and June 4. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Savory in Chippewa County, MI

Chippewa County, Michigan Zone 5a June

Chippewa County, Michigan gardeners: here's your June plan

Your Chippewa County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost May 14
Avg. first frost October 14
Soil temp (4") 63°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.6 hrs
Before July arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: savory

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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.

Chippewa County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 621 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.

Chippewa County, MI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Chippewa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24

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 Chippewa County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Chippewa County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Savory will thrive.

How to Plant Savory

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

Succession Planting Savory

3
successive plantings in your 153-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.

Savory Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.2" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chippewa 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 needs ~600 GDD — county provides 1,530 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline — Chippewa County, MI

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 – Jun 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Chippewa County

Growing Tips for Savory in Chippewa County

Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 14 in Chippewa 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Chippewa County, MI?

Chippewa County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chippewa County, MI?

Chippewa County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Savory in Chippewa County, MI?

In Chippewa County, MI, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chippewa County, MI for Savory?

Chippewa County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savory grow in Chippewa County's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Chippewa County's temperate climate. Chippewa County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Chippewa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chippewa County (Zone 5a). 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 Chippewa County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.