When to Plant Lemongrass in Tate County, MS
Your May game plan for Tate County, Mississippi
Your Tate County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Indoor seed-starting week for lemongrass
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical grass with a strong citrus aroma used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine. The swollen stem bases are the most flavorful part.
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 Lemongrass during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemongrass, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemongrass 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 Lemongrass's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) is within Lemongrass's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tate County is excellent for Lemongrass — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lemongrass.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lemongrass.
How to Plant Lemongrass
Succession Planting Lemongrass
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemongrass
Lemongrass needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemongrass Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| 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.
Lemongrass 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.
Lemongrass Planting Timeline — Tate County, MS
Lemongrass Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Sep 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Tate County
Growing Tips for Lemongrass in Tate County
Direct sow Lemongrass 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 Lemongrass. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Lemongrass in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from divisions or store-bought stalks rooted in water. Grow in rich, moist soil with full sun. In cold climates, grow in containers and overwinter indoors.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemongrass in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemongrass in Tate County, MS?
Tate County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Lemongrass 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.