When to Plant Horehound in Lander County, NV
May to-do list for Lander County, Nevada
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lander County, Nevada.
June prep starts now
- Transplants going out: horehound
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 6,987 feet, Lander County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horehound successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lander County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 Lander County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.4) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lander County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Horehound
Horehound 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 | Horehound Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lander County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound 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.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Lander County, NV
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 19 | Aug 19 – Oct 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
118 days in Lander County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Lander County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after May 27 in Lander County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lander County dries quickly — mulch Horehound with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Lander County receives only 9" of rain annually. Horehound needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Thrives in poor, dry soil. Harvest stems just before flowering. Deadhead to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Lander County, NV?
Lander County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lander County, NV?
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Lander County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lander County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.