When to Plant Valerian in Lincoln County, SD
May in the garden — Lincoln County, South Dakota
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
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Plant out valerian
Frost risk is low now in Lincoln County, South Dakota. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
Valerian is a tall perennial herb with fragrant white or pink flower clusters, valued for its root which is used as a natural sleep aid. It attracts pollinators and earthworms.
Lincoln County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 840 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Valerian during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Valerian's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.3) overlaps with Valerian's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Valerian — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Valerian.
How to Plant Valerian
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Valerian
Valerian needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Valerian Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian 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.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, SD
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | September 11 | Sep 11 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Valerian in Lincoln County
Direct sow Valerian outdoors after May 01 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 157.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Valerian (120.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors and transplant after last frost. Harvest roots in fall of the second year. Deadhead flowers unless you want self-seeding. Cats are attracted to valerian root.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Lincoln County, SD?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, SD?
Lincoln County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.