When to Plant Oregano in Montgomery County, MS
Top priorities for Montgomery County, Mississippi gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Montgomery County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: oregano
Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.
Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 497 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Oregano during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Oregano, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Oregano root diseases.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Oregano's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Oregano prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Montgomery County is excellent for Oregano — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Oregano.
How to Plant Oregano
Succession Planting Oregano
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Oregano
Oregano needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Oregano Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Montgomery County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Oregano 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.
Oregano Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, MS
Oregano Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 11 |
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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Oregano in Montgomery County
Direct sow Oregano outdoors after March 24 in Montgomery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Montgomery County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Oregano. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Harvest just before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut plants back to a few inches in spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Oregano in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Oregano in Montgomery County, MS?
Montgomery County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Oregano planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, MS?
Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montgomery 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.