When to Plant Savory in Jefferson County, TX
Your May game plan for Jefferson County, Texas
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Collect savory at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of 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.
Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 349 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 64.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Savory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Savory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jefferson County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Savory will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, TX
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Savory in Jefferson County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after February 13 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jefferson County dries quickly — mulch Savory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Jefferson County, provide afternoon shade for Savory and water deeply in the morning.
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 Jefferson County, TX?
Jefferson County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, TX?
Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.