When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Strafford County, NH
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.
Strafford County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Strafford County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Strafford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Strafford County, NH
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
167 days
Growing Tips for Strafford 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
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Strafford County, NH?
Strafford County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Strafford County, NH?
Strafford County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Strafford County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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