When to plant Borage in Stone County, MS
The best window to plant Borage in Stone County, is February 9–March 2, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 2; first frost November 26. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Stone County, MS
This month in Stone County, Mississippi
June is a pivotal month for Stone County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting borage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Stone County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.
At an elevation of 105 feet, Stone County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Borage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage 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 Stone County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.3) is more acidic than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Stone County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Borage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Borage prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Borage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage 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 | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Stone County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage 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.
Borage Planting Timeline — Stone County, MS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
269 days in Stone County
Growing Tips for Borage in Stone County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 02 in Stone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Stone County dries quickly — mulch Borage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Stone County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Stone County, ensure good drainage for Borage — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
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 Stone County, MS?
Stone County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stone County, MS?
Stone County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Borage in Stone County, MS?
In Stone County, MS, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stone County, MS for Borage?
Stone County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Stone County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Stone County's temperate climate. Stone County averages a 269-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 26.
Your Stone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stone County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.