When to Plant Shallot in Pleasants County, WV
Your May game plan for Pleasants County, West Virginia
Each item below is timed to Pleasants County, West Virginia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: shallot
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Pleasants County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 2,235 feet, Pleasants County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Pleasants County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Pleasants County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pleasants County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pleasants County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot 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.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Pleasants County, WV
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Pleasants County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Pleasants County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 28 in Pleasants County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Pleasants County, WV?
Pleasants County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pleasants County, WV?
Pleasants County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Pleasants County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pleasants 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.