When to Plant Feverfew in Clay County, TN
Your May planting checklist for Clay County, Tennessee
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb with small daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It has been used traditionally for headache relief and is a cheerful garden plant.
Clay County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,418 feet, Clay County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Clay County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clay County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Feverfew prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Feverfew
Feverfew 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 | Feverfew Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Feverfew 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.
Feverfew Planting Timeline — Clay County, TN
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 4 |
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 | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Clay County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 12 in Clay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow on the soil surface. Deadhead regularly to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Feverfew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Feverfew in Clay County, TN?
Clay County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, TN?
Clay County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clay 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.