When to Plant Sorrel in Westmoreland County, PA
May in the garden — Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Your garden in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Sow sorrel in trays indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
-
Harvest sorrel as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: sorrel
Sorrel is a perennial herb with tangy, lemon-flavored arrow-shaped leaves. It is one of the first greens to emerge in spring and is used in soups and salads.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Westmoreland County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sorrel during the growing season.
Westmoreland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Westmoreland County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) overlaps with Sorrel's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Westmoreland County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Sorrel.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sorrel
Sorrel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sorrel Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Westmoreland County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel 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.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Westmoreland County, PA
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Westmoreland County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Westmoreland County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 23 in Westmoreland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 187.0-day season in Westmoreland County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or fall. Remove flower stalks promptly to encourage leaf production. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Young leaves have the best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Westmoreland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Westmoreland County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.