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When to plant Lovage in Gladwin County County,

Gladwin County County's 150-day season only supports one Lovage planting per year. Sow between May 16 and May 30 for the best chance at full maturity before October 6.

When to Plant Lovage in Gladwin County, MI

Gladwin County, Michigan Zone 6a June

Top priorities for Gladwin County, Michigan gardeners in June

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Gladwin County, Michigan.

Avg. last frost May 9
Avg. first frost October 6
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.3 hrs
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: lovage

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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.

Gladwin County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 832 feet, Gladwin County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Gladwin County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6
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Gladwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 7

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 Gladwin County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Lovage will thrive.

How to Plant Lovage

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

Succession Planting Lovage

2
successive plantings in your 150-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.

Lovage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Gladwin 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 needs ~980 GDD — county provides 1,837 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline — Gladwin County, MI

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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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: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

150 days in Gladwin County

Growing Tips for Lovage in Gladwin County

Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 09 in Gladwin 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Gladwin County, MI?

Gladwin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gladwin County, MI?

Gladwin County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Lovage in Gladwin County, ?

In Gladwin County, , plant Lovage after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gladwin County, for Lovage?

Gladwin County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Gladwin County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Gladwin County's temperate climate. Gladwin County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 6.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Gladwin County (Zone 6a). 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 Gladwin County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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