When to Plant Caraway in Benton County, TN
April in the garden — Benton County, Tennessee
Your garden in Benton County, Tennessee is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this April.
May prep starts now
- Starting indoors: caraway
Caraway is a biennial herb grown for its distinctive crescent-shaped seeds used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and European cuisine. The leaves and roots are also edible.
Benton County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 3,295 feet, Benton County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Benton County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Caraway's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benton County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Caraway.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Caraway
Caraway needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Caraway Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Caraway 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.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Benton County, TN
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| 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
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Benton County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 07 in Benton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 204.0-day growing season in Benton County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Caraway produces seeds in its second year. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown. The young leaves can be used like parsley.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Benton County, TN?
Benton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, TN?
Benton County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Benton 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.