When to Plant Bee Balm in Goliad County, TX
May to-do list for Goliad County, Texas
Your Goliad County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: bee balm
Bee balm is a native perennial herb with shaggy, scarlet flower heads that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its leaves make an aromatic tea reminiscent of Earl Grey.
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 3,928 feet, Goliad County receives approximately 62.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Bee Balm may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bee Balm root diseases.
Goliad 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 Goliad County
How your county's soil matches Bee Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.3) overlaps with Bee Balm's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goliad County is excellent for Bee Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Bee Balm.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bee Balm
Bee Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bee Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Goliad County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bee Balm 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.
Bee Balm Planting Timeline — Goliad County, TX
Bee Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
283 days in Goliad County
Growing Tips for Bee Balm in Goliad County
Direct sow Bee Balm outdoors after February 24 in Goliad County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start from seed, divisions, or transplants. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadhead spent flowers for reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bee Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bee Balm in Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Bee Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is December 4.
Your Goliad County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goliad County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.