When to plant Savory in Shingleton, MI
Shingleton's short 159-day growing season means one Savory planting between May 17 and May 31. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Savory in Shingleton, MI
Your June gardening checklist
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Alger County, Michigan.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: savory
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.
Shingleton, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,014 feet, Alger County receives approximately 40.9 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.
Shingleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Savory 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 Shingleton
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Alger County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Savory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Savory will thrive.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Alger 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 Planting Timeline — Shingleton, MI
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
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
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
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Savory in Shingleton
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 10 in Alger 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 →
Savory in Other Locations
When should I plant Savory in Shingleton, MI?
In Shingleton, MI, plant Savory after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shingleton, MI for Savory?
Shingleton sits in USDA Zone 5a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in Shingleton's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Shingleton's temperate climate. Shingleton averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 16.
Your Alger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alger 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.