When to Plant Feverfew in Carteret County, NC
This month in Carteret County, North Carolina
Here's what deserves your attention in Carteret County, North Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: feverfew
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.
Carteret County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Carteret County receives approximately 42.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Feverfew may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Feverfew, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Carteret County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Carteret County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Carteret County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Feverfew prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Carteret 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 — Carteret County, NC
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Carteret County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Carteret County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after March 21 in Carteret County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Carteret County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Feverfew. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Carteret County, NC?
Carteret County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carteret County, NC?
Carteret County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Carteret County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carteret 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.