When to Plant Lemon Balm in Grant County, WA
Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial herb with bright green, lemon-scented leaves. It makes a refreshing tea and is easy to grow but can spread aggressively.
Grant County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 3,122 feet, Grant County receives approximately 17.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Balm successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Grant County, WA
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Grant County
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Contain in pots or use barriers to prevent spreading. Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Grant County, WA?
Grant County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, WA?
Grant County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grant County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.