When to Plant Savory in Clay County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Clay County, Texas
Welcome to May in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: savory
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: savory
Summer savory is an annual herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor that pairs especially well with beans. Winter savory is a perennial with a stronger flavor.
Clay County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 3,266 feet, Clay County receives approximately 64.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Clay County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Savory's preferred range (6.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Clay County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Savory
Savory 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 | Savory Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savory 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.
Savory Planting Timeline — Clay County, TX
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Savory in Clay County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after March 21 in Clay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Direct sow summer savory after last frost. Plant winter savory from divisions or cuttings. Harvest stems before flowering for best flavor. Use fresh or dried.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savory in Clay County, TX?
Clay County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, TX?
Clay County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.