A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock. The method then includes injecting hydraulic jetting fluid through the jetting hose and connected jetting nozzle, thereby excavating a lateral borehole within the rock matrix, and further injecting the fluid while further translating the jetting hose and connected nozzle along the face of the whipstock without coiling or uncoiling the hose, thereby forming a lateral borehole that extends at least 5 feet from the wellbore.