When to Plant Yarrow in Crow Wing County, MN
Top priorities for Crow Wing County, Minnesota gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
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Get yarrow in the ground
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. It attracts beneficial insects and is used in herbal medicine.
Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 783 feet, Crow Wing County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall.
Crow Wing County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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 Crow Wing County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Yarrow's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crow Wing County is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Yarrow will thrive.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow
Yarrow 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 | Yarrow Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Crow Wing County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Yarrow 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.
Yarrow Planting Timeline — Crow Wing County, MN
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Crow Wing County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Crow Wing County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after May 05 in Crow Wing County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Yarrow in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Yarrow thrives in poor soil and is very drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Crow Wing County, MN?
Crow Wing County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crow Wing County, MN?
Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Crow Wing County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crow Wing County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.