When to Plant Borage in Union County, MS
What to do in May
Your Union 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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Begin indoor sowing: borage
You're about 25 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Harvest borage as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 196 feet, Union County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Union County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 Aug 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Union 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 — Union County, MS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
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
213 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Borage in Union County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 30 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Union County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Borage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Union County, MS?
Union County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, MS?
Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Union 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.