When to Plant Epazote in Walthall County, MS
May in the garden — Walthall County, Mississippi
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Walthall County, Mississippi this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Time to start epazote inside
These need a head start before your last frost (March 15). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Harvest epazote as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: epazote
Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.
Walthall County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 207 feet, Walthall County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Epazote, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.
Walthall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Walthall County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Epazote's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Walthall County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Epazote prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote
Epazote 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 | Epazote Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Walthall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Epazote 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.
Epazote Planting Timeline — Walthall County, MS
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Walthall County
Growing Tips for Epazote in Walthall County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after March 15 in Walthall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Walthall County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Epazote. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 246.0-day season in Walthall County allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Epazote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Epazote in Walthall County, MS?
Walthall County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walthall County, MS?
Walthall County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Walthall County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Walthall 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.