When to Plant Chives in Clearwater County, MN
What to do in May
Your garden in Clearwater County, Minnesota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Transplant chives outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
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 Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Clearwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clearwater County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 30 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives 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 | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 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.
Chives 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.
Chives Planting Timeline — Clearwater County, MN
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 |
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 | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Clearwater County
Growing Tips for Chives in Clearwater County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 15 in Clearwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Clearwater County, MN?
Clearwater County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Chives 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.
Your Clearwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.