When to Plant Borage in Presidio County, TX
What to do in May
Your Presidio 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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Sow borage in trays indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Basket week: borage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: borage
Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.
Presidio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 1,804 feet, Presidio County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Borage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Presidio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.4
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 Presidio County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.4) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Presidio County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Borage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage 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 | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Presidio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage 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.
Borage Planting Timeline — Presidio County, TX
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Presidio County
Growing Tips for Borage in Presidio County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 03 in Presidio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Presidio County dries quickly — mulch Borage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Presidio County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Presidio County, TX?
Presidio County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Presidio County, TX?
Presidio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Presidio County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Presidio 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.