When to plant Comfrey in Ramsay, MI
Ramsay's short 126-day growing season means one Comfrey planting between May 29 and June 12. No fall crop in Zone 4b.
When to Plant Comfrey in Ramsay, MI
This month in Gogebic County, Michigan
July is a pivotal month for Gogebic County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting comfrey
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: comfrey
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Ramsay, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 695 feet, Gogebic County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.
Ramsay Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Comfrey 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 Ramsay
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Comfrey's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gogebic County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Comfrey will thrive.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
Comfrey Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Comfrey
Comfrey needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Comfrey Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Gogebic County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Comfrey 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.
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Ramsay, MI
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Gogebic County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Ramsay
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after May 22 in Gogebic County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant root cuttings 2 inches deep. Choose Bocking 14 variety to prevent self-seeding. Cut leaves 3-4 times per season for mulch or compost. Avoid planting near pathways as it spreads.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Comfrey in Other Locations
When should I plant Comfrey in Ramsay, MI?
In Ramsay, MI, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ramsay, MI for Comfrey?
Ramsay sits in USDA Zone 4b. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Ramsay's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Ramsay's temperate climate. Ramsay averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 25.
Your Gogebic County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gogebic County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.