When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Lincoln County, WY
May to-do list for Lincoln County, Wyoming
Your Lincoln County, Wyoming garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Transplant fennel (herb) outside
Your last frost (June 7) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Sow fennel (herb) where they'll grow
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Herb fennel is grown for its aromatic leaves, stalks, and seeds rather than a bulb. It has a strong anise flavor and its flowers attract beneficial insects.
Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 98 days.
At an elevation of 6,850 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 17.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel (herb) to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Fennel (herb) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Fennel (herb)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Fennel (herb) prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Fennel (herb) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Fennel (herb).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Fennel (herb).
How to Plant Fennel (herb)
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Fennel (herb)
Fennel (herb) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fennel (herb) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel (herb) 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.
Fennel (herb) Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WY
Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
98 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Fennel (herb) in Lincoln County
Direct sow Fennel (herb) outdoors after June 07 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 98.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Fennel (herb) (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Fennel (herb) in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Lincoln County receives only 18" of rain annually. Fennel (herb) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Unlike Florence fennel, herb fennel does not form a bulb. Harvest fronds as needed and seeds when they turn brown. Self-sows readily.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fennel (herb) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Lincoln County, WY?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WY?
Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 13.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.