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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Hot Spring County, AR

In Hot Spring County, Lemon Thyme is a spring-only crop. Plant March 30–April 13 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Hot Spring County, AR

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.

Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 754 feet, Hot Spring County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.

Hot Spring County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
231 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
231 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Hot Spring County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hot Spring County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Hot Spring County, AR

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

231 days in Hot Spring County

Growing Tips for Hot Spring 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Hot Spring County, AR?

Hot Spring County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hot Spring County, AR?

Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Hot Spring County, AR?

In Hot Spring County, AR, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hot Spring County, AR for Lemon Thyme?

Hot Spring County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemon Thyme grow in Hot Spring County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Hot Spring County's temperate climate. Hot Spring County averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Hot Spring County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hot Spring County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Hot Spring County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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