When to Plant Chervil in Sharkey County, MS
Top priorities for Sharkey County, Mississippi gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Collect chervil at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: chervil
Chervil is a delicate herb with a subtle anise-parsley flavor, essential in French cuisine as part of fines herbes. It prefers cool conditions and partial shade.
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 460 feet, Sharkey County receives approximately 55.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chervil during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chervil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chervil root diseases.
Sharkey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Sharkey County
How your county's soil matches Chervil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Chervil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sharkey County is excellent for Chervil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chervil.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chervil.
How to Plant Chervil
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chervil
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 09.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chervil
Chervil 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 | Chervil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharkey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chervil 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.
Chervil Planting Timeline — Sharkey County, MS
Chervil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Sharkey County
Growing Tips for Chervil in Sharkey County
Direct sow Chervil outdoors after March 05 in Sharkey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sharkey County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chervil. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 258.0-day season in Sharkey County allows multiple plantings of Chervil. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Chervil in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 56" of annual rainfall in Sharkey County, ensure good drainage for Chervil — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or fall as chervil bolts in heat. Provide shade and cool conditions. Harvest outer leaves as needed; use fresh as it loses flavor when dried.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chervil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chervil in Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Sharkey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sharkey 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.