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When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Minidoka County, ID

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.

Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 5,990 feet, Minidoka County receives approximately 22.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.

Minidoka County, ID (Zone 5b) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Minidoka County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Oct 24

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
0.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lemon Thyme needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 2,117 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Minidoka County, ID

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Minidoka 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 Minidoka County, ID?

Minidoka County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Minidoka County, ID?

Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Minidoka County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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