When to Plant Cumin in Natrona County, WY
This month in Natrona County, Wyoming
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.
-
Set out cumin seedlings
Your last frost (May 19) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Scatter cumin into prepared beds
Your soil is 38°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: cumin
Cumin is a warm-season annual herb whose seeds are one of the most widely used spices globally. It requires a long, hot growing season of 3-4 months.
Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 6,332 feet, Natrona County receives approximately 13.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cumin successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Natrona County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 Natrona County
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is within Cumin's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Natrona County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
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 Cumin
Cumin needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cumin Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Natrona County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin 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.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Natrona County, WY
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Natrona County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Natrona County
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after May 19 in Natrona County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 127.0-day growing season in Natrona County is tight for Cumin (100.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cumin in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Natrona County receives only 14" of rain annually. Cumin needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant after all danger of frost. Harvest when seed heads turn brown. Requires consistent warmth for proper seed development.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Natrona County, WY?
Natrona County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Natrona County, WY?
Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 23.
Your Natrona County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Natrona County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.