When to plant Lovage in Emmet County, MI
Emmet County's short 169-day growing season means one Lovage planting between May 12 and May 26. No fall crop in Zone 5b.
When to Plant Lovage in Emmet County, MI
Top priorities for Emmet County, Michigan gardeners in June
Your Emmet County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Emmet County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,123 feet, Emmet County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Emmet County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
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 Emmet County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.1) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Emmet County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Emmet 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 — Emmet County, MI
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Emmet County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Emmet County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 05 in Emmet 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Emmet County, MI?
Emmet County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Emmet County, MI?
Emmet County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Lovage in Emmet County, MI?
In Emmet County, MI, plant Lovage after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Emmet County, MI for Lovage?
Emmet County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lovage grow in Emmet County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Emmet County's temperate climate. Emmet County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 21.
Your Emmet County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Emmet County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.