Blog

When to plant Savory in Dodge County, MN

In Dodge County, Savory is a spring-only crop. Plant May 5–May 19 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Savory in Dodge County, MN

Dodge County, Minnesota Zone 4b June

This month in Dodge County, Minnesota

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Dodge County, Minnesota this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 28
Avg. first frost October 7
Soil temp (4") 64°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.3 hrs
  1. Collect savory at their peak

    The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.

To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: savory

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,261 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.

Dodge County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Dodge County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10

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 Dodge County

How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Dodge 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

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Savory

3
successive plantings in your 162-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.

Savory Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 2.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dodge 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 needs ~735 GDD — county provides 1,984 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline — Dodge County, MN

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July 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

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Dodge County

Growing Tips for Savory in Dodge County

Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 28 in Dodge 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Savory in Dodge County, MN?

In Dodge County, MN, plant Savory after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dodge County, MN for Savory?

Dodge County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savory grow in Dodge County's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Dodge County's temperate climate. Dodge County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Dodge County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dodge 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dodge County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.