When to Plant Garlic Chives in Dickey County, ND
Your May game plan for Dickey County, North Dakota
Your Dickey County, North Dakota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Move garlic chives into the garden
Your last frost (May 10) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.
Dickey County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 550 feet, Dickey County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
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 Dickey County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) overlaps with Garlic Chives's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dickey County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Garlic Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic Chives.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives 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 | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dickey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Chives 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.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Dickey County, ND
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Dickey County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Dickey County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after May 10 in Dickey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Dickey County receives only 21" of rain annually. Garlic Chives needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Dickey County, ND?
Dickey County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickey County, ND?
Dickey County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Dickey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dickey County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.