When to plant Borage in Monroe County, MS
Aim to plant Borage in Monroe County on or after March 9; the window stays open through March 30. Monroe County's 228-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 28 to September 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Monroe County, MS
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.
Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 448 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe County
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 Monroe County, MS?
Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MS?
Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Borage in Monroe County, MS?
In Monroe County, MS, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, MS for Borage?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.