When to Plant Savory in Fairfax County, VA
May in Fairfax County, Virginia — your action list
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Fairfax County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 548 feet, Fairfax County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Fairfax County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt 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 Fairfax 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
The silt loam soil in Fairfax County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Fairfax 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 — Fairfax County, VA
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 |
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
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Fairfax County
Growing Tips for Savory in Fairfax County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 06 in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County, VA?
Fairfax County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fairfax County, VA?
Fairfax County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Fairfax County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fairfax 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.