When to plant Thyme in Macdoel, CA
Plant Thyme in Macdoel during the brief May 22–June 5 window. With 139 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 1.
When to Plant Thyme in Macdoel, CA
This month in Siskiyou County, California
Your garden in Siskiyou County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
Start harvesting thyme
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, aromatic leaves and a warm, earthy flavor. It is one of the most versatile culinary and medicinal herbs.
Macdoel, California is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 251 feet, Siskiyou County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Thyme will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Macdoel Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Thyme 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.
Soil Compatibility in Macdoel
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Siskiyou County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Thyme will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 to harvest before frost.
Thyme Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme
Thyme needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 7.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 7.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 1" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.3" | 0.2" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 0" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.3" | 0" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.3" | 0.4" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.3" | 1.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Siskiyou County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thyme Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Macdoel, CA
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Siskiyou County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Macdoel
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 15 in Siskiyou County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Siskiyou County dries quickly — mulch Thyme with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Plant in well-drained, lean soil. Prune lightly after flowering. Replace plants every 3-4 years when they become woody.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thyme in Other Locations
When should I plant Thyme in Macdoel, CA?
In Macdoel, CA, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Macdoel, CA for Thyme?
Macdoel sits in USDA Zone 8a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Macdoel's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Macdoel's temperate climate. Macdoel averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around October 1.
Your Siskiyou County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Siskiyou 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.