When to Plant Rosemary in Sherman County, OR
Your May planting checklist for Sherman County, Oregon
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sherman County, Oregon.
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a piney, citrus flavor. It is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 862 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Rosemary during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Rosemary successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sherman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.3
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 Sherman County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.3) overlaps with Rosemary's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sherman County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Rosemary will thrive.
How to Plant Rosemary
Succession Planting Rosemary
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Apr 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rosemary
Rosemary needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rosemary Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 1.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 1.3" | 0.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.3" | 0.5" | 0.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 0.2" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.3" | 0.3" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.3" | 0.5" | 0.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.3" | 1.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sherman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rosemary 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.
Rosemary Planting Timeline — Sherman County, OR
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Dec 1 |
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 | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Sherman County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in Sherman County
Direct sow Rosemary outdoors after April 14 in Sherman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 186.0-day growing season in Sherman County is tight for Rosemary (80.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Grow in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. In cold climates, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter. Propagate from stem cuttings for faster results than seed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rosemary in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary in Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sherman 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.