When to Plant Feverfew in Socorro County, NM
May in Socorro County, New Mexico — your action list
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Socorro County, New Mexico.
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Harden off and plant feverfew
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb with small daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It has been used traditionally for headache relief and is a cheerful garden plant.
Socorro County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 5,542 feet, Socorro County receives approximately 14.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Feverfew will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Feverfew successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Socorro County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.5
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 Socorro County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.5) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Socorro County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Feverfew will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Feverfew.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Feverfew
Feverfew 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 | Feverfew Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Socorro County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Feverfew 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.
Feverfew Planting Timeline — Socorro County, NM
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Socorro County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Socorro County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 01 in Socorro County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Socorro County dries quickly — mulch Feverfew with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Socorro County receives only 14" of rain annually. Feverfew needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow on the soil surface. Deadhead regularly to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Feverfew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Feverfew in Socorro County, NM?
Socorro County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Socorro County, NM?
Socorro County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Socorro County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Socorro County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.