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When to plant Savory in Oscoda County, MI

Plant Savory in Oscoda County during the brief May 27–June 10 window. With 133 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 30.

When to Plant Savory in Oscoda County, MI

Oscoda County, Michigan Zone 5a July

July in the garden — Oscoda County, Michigan

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Oscoda County, Michigan this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost May 20
Avg. first frost September 30
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for savory

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Before August 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.

Oscoda County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 765 feet, Oscoda County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.

Oscoda County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
133 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Oscoda County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (12 days to spare)
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 29

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 Oscoda County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — 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 133-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.

Savory Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.3″/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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.2" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oscoda 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 ~735 GDD — county provides 1,629 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline — Oscoda County, MI

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 – Jun 10
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 16

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: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

133 days in Oscoda County

Growing Tips for Savory in Oscoda County

Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 20 in Oscoda 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 Oscoda County, MI?

Oscoda County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oscoda County, MI?

Oscoda County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Savory in Oscoda County, MI?

In Oscoda County, MI, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Oscoda County, MI for Savory?

Oscoda 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 Oscoda County's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Oscoda County's temperate climate. Oscoda County averages a 133-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Oscoda County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Oscoda 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 Oscoda County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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