When to Plant Borage in Daggett County, UT
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Transplant borage outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Daggett County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 7,540 feet, Daggett County receives approximately 14.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Daggett County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 Daggett County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Daggett County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 23.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Daggett 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 — Daggett County, UT
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Daggett County
Growing Tips for Borage in Daggett County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after May 13 in Daggett County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Daggett County, UT?
Daggett County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Daggett County, UT?
Daggett County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 1.
Your Daggett County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Daggett County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.