When to Plant Feverfew in Freeborn County, MN
Your May planting checklist for Freeborn County, Minnesota
Your Freeborn County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Plant out feverfew
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb with small daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It has been used traditionally for headache relief and is a cheerful garden plant.
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 Feverfew to ensure they mature before fall.
Freeborn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 Freeborn County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Freeborn County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Feverfew will thrive.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Feverfew
Feverfew 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 | Feverfew 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.
Feverfew 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.
Feverfew Planting Timeline — Freeborn County, MN
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Oct 23 |
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 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Freeborn County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Freeborn County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 01 in Freeborn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow on the soil surface. Deadhead regularly to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Feverfew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Feverfew in Freeborn County, MN?
Freeborn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Feverfew 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.
Your Freeborn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.