When to plant Borage in Freeborn County, MN
For Freeborn County, gardeners: plant Borage April 17 through May 8 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Freeborn County, MN
Your July planting checklist for Freeborn County, Minnesota
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Freeborn County, Minnesota.
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Start harvesting borage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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Start your fall crops: borage
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
Get ahead of August
- 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.
Freeborn County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,253 feet, Freeborn County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Freeborn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 Freeborn County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Freeborn County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Borage will thrive.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Borage Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Freeborn 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 — Freeborn County, MN
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Freeborn County
Growing Tips for Borage in Freeborn County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after May 01 in Freeborn 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 Freeborn County, MN?
Freeborn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Freeborn County, MN?
Freeborn County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Borage in Freeborn County, MN?
In Freeborn County, MN, plant Borage after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Freeborn County, MN for Borage?
Freeborn County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Freeborn County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Freeborn County's temperate climate. Freeborn County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.
Your Freeborn County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Freeborn 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.