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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Toombs County, GA

Lemon thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, citrus-scented leaves. It combines the savory quality of thyme with a bright lemon flavor, excellent with fish and poultry.

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 283 feet, Toombs County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.

Toombs County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Toombs County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (120 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 13

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Thyme needs ~1,580 GDD — county provides 5,135 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Toombs County, GA

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jul 25

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

260 days

Growing Tips for Toombs County

Start from cuttings or divisions. Plant in well-drained soil. Trim back after flowering. Use as a fragrant ground cover or edging plant along garden paths.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Toombs County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Toombs County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.