When to Plant Bee Balm in Jasper County, MS
May to-do list for Jasper County, Mississippi
Each item below is timed to Jasper County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: bee balm
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.
Jasper County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 468 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Bee Balm during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Bee Balm, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.
Jasper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Jasper County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Bee Balm's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jasper County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Bee Balm.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Plant 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jasper 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 — Jasper County, MS
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Jasper County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Jasper County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after March 15 in Jasper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jasper County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Bee Balm. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Jasper County, MS?
Jasper County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jasper County, MS?
Jasper County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.