When to Plant Savory in Mills County, TX
What to do in May
Your Mills County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the savory
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Mills County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.
At an elevation of 4,208 feet, Mills County receives approximately 61.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Mills County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 Mills County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) overlaps with Savory's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mills County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 03 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mills 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 — Mills County, TX
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 20 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
234 days in Mills County
Growing Tips for Savory in Mills County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after March 23 in Mills 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 Mills County, TX?
Mills County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mills County, TX?
Mills County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Mills County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mills County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.