When to Plant Lovage in Sweetwater County, WY
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Sweetwater County, Wyoming this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
June prep starts now
- Transplants going out: lovage
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Sweetwater County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 7,922 feet, Sweetwater County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lovage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sweetwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 Sweetwater County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sweetwater County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lovage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage
Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lovage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Sweetwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage 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.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Sweetwater County, WY
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Sweetwater County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Sweetwater County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 29 in Sweetwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Sweetwater County receives only 13" of rain annually. Lovage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Sweetwater County, WY?
Sweetwater County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sweetwater County, WY?
Sweetwater County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Sweetwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sweetwater 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.