When to Plant Yarrow in Quay County, NM
Your May game plan for Quay County, New Mexico
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. It attracts beneficial insects and is used in herbal medicine.
Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,759 feet, Quay County receives approximately 14.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Yarrow will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Yarrow successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Quay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.8
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 Quay County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.8) is more alkaline than Yarrow prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Quay County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Yarrow will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Yarrow.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Yarrow.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow
Yarrow 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 | Yarrow Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Quay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Yarrow 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.
Yarrow Planting Timeline — Quay County, NM
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Quay County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Quay County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 14 in Quay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Quay County dries quickly — mulch Yarrow with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Yarrow in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Quay County receives only 15" of rain annually. Yarrow needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Yarrow thrives in poor soil and is very drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Quay County, NM?
Quay County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Quay County, NM?
Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Quay County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Quay County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.