When to plant Borage in Clearwater County, MN
Plant Borage in Clearwater County from May 8 to May 29 in spring. Clearwater County sits in USDA Zone 3b, with last frost around May 15 and first frost on September 28. A second sowing from July 6 to July 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Clearwater County, MN
Top priorities for Clearwater County, Minnesota gardeners in July
Your Clearwater County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the borage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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Sow borage for an autumn harvest
Count back from your first frost (September 28) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: borage
Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.
Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 1,074 feet, Clearwater County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Clearwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage 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 Clearwater County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clearwater County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Borage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Borage will thrive.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
Borage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage 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 | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Clearwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage 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.
Borage Planting Timeline — Clearwater County, MN
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Clearwater County
Growing Tips for Borage in Clearwater County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after May 15 in Clearwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Clearwater County, MN?
Clearwater County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clearwater County, MN?
Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Borage in Clearwater County, MN?
In Clearwater County, MN, plant Borage after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clearwater County, MN for Borage?
Clearwater County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Clearwater County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Clearwater County's temperate climate. Clearwater County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 28.
Your Clearwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clearwater County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.