When to Plant Amaranth in Grays Harbor County, WA
Grays Harbor County, Washington gardeners: here's your May plan
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 amaranth outside
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Outdoor sowing time: amaranth
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: amaranth
Amaranth is an ancient grain crop with edible leaves and seeds, rich in protein and micronutrients. It thrives in warm conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.
Grays Harbor County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 65 feet, Grays Harbor County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.
Grays Harbor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Grays Harbor County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Grays Harbor County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Amaranth will thrive.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Amaranth
Amaranth needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Amaranth Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grays Harbor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Amaranth 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.
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Grays Harbor County, WA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Grays Harbor County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Grays Harbor County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 27 in Grays Harbor County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart. Harvest leaves when young and tender; harvest seeds when flower heads begin to dry.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Grays Harbor County, WA?
Grays Harbor County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grays Harbor County, WA?
Grays Harbor County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Grays Harbor County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grays Harbor County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.