When to Plant Lemon Balm in Sublette County, WY
Sublette County, Wyoming gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sublette County, Wyoming.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: lemon balm
Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial herb with bright green, lemon-scented leaves. It makes a refreshing tea and is easy to grow but can spread aggressively.
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and the first fall frost is August 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 5,005 feet, Sublette County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Balm to ensure they mature before fall.
Sublette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Sublette County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Lemon Balm's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sublette County is excellent for Lemon Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Balm.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm 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 | Lemon Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Sublette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Balm 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.
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Sublette County, WY
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Sublette County
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Sublette County
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after June 22 in Sublette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 63.0-day growing season in Sublette County is tight for Lemon Balm (60.0-70.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Contain in pots or use barriers to prevent spreading. Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 22. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and first fall frost is August 24.
Your Sublette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sublette County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.