When to plant Bee Balm in Koochiching County, MN
Koochiching County sits in cold Zone 3b. Plant Bee Balm May 29–June 12 for the single annual harvest; the September 18 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Bee Balm in Koochiching County, MN
Your June game plan for Koochiching County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Koochiching County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 3b and timed around your local frost dates.
Bee balm is a native perennial herb with shaggy, scarlet flower heads that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its leaves make an aromatic tea reminiscent of Earl Grey.
Koochiching County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.
At an elevation of 508 feet, Koochiching County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bee Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Koochiching County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Bee Balm 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 Koochiching County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Bee Balm's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Koochiching County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Bee Balm.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Bee Balm Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Bee Balm
Bee Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bee Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Koochiching County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bee Balm 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.
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Koochiching County, MN
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | August 28 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 |
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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
119 days in Koochiching County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Koochiching County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after May 22 in Koochiching County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 119.0-day growing season in Koochiching County is tight for Bee Balm (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Start from seed, divisions, or transplants. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadhead spent flowers for reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bee Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bee Balm in Koochiching County, MN?
Koochiching County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Koochiching County, MN?
Koochiching County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 18.
When should I plant Bee Balm in Koochiching County, MN?
In Koochiching County, MN, plant Bee Balm after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Koochiching County, MN for Bee Balm?
Koochiching County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Bee Balm grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bee Balm grow in Koochiching County's climate?
Yes — Bee Balm grows well in Koochiching County's temperate climate. Koochiching County averages a 119-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 18.
Your Koochiching County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Koochiching 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.