When to Plant Borage in Tate County, MS
Your May game plan for Tate County, Mississippi
May is a pivotal month for Tate County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Sow borage in trays indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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It's harvest week for borage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: borage
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.
Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 374 feet, Tate County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Tate County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Tate County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tate County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant 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 | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Tate 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 — Tate County, MS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Tate County
Growing Tips for Borage in Tate County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 27 in Tate County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tate County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Borage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With 62" of annual rainfall in Tate 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 Tate County, MS?
Tate County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tate County, MS?
Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Tate County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tate 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.