When to Plant Lovage in Motley County, TX
Motley County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Motley County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: lovage
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 3,983 feet, Motley County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Lovage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lovage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lovage root diseases.
Motley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
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 Motley County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Motley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lovage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage
Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lovage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 13.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Motley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage 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.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Motley County, TX
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Motley County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Motley County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 07 in Motley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Motley County dries quickly — mulch Lovage 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 Motley County, provide afternoon shade for Lovage and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Motley County, TX?
Motley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Motley County, TX?
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Motley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Motley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.