When to Plant Chives in Whitman County, WA
May in Whitman County, Washington — your action list
May is a pivotal month for Whitman County, Washington gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Move chives into the garden
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,541 feet, Whitman County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Whitman 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 Whitman County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Whitman County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 0.8" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0.3" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0.2" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Whitman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives 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.
Chives Planting Timeline — Whitman County, WA
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Whitman County
Growing Tips for Chives in Whitman County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 10 in Whitman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Whitman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Whitman County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.