When to Plant Scallions in Edgecombe County, NC
Your May planting checklist for Edgecombe County, North Carolina
May is a pivotal month for Edgecombe County, North Carolina gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start scallions indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Collect scallions at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: scallions
Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.
Edgecombe County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 685 feet, Edgecombe County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Scallions, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Edgecombe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 Edgecombe County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is more acidic than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Edgecombe County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Edgecombe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scallions 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.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Edgecombe County, NC
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Edgecombe County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Edgecombe County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 29 in Edgecombe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Edgecombe County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Scallions. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Edgecombe County, NC?
Edgecombe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edgecombe County, NC?
Edgecombe County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Edgecombe County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Edgecombe County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.