Blog

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Forsyth 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.

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 59 feet, Forsyth County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89Β°F, 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.

Forsyth County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Forsyth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

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 β€” 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline β€” Forsyth County, GA

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 – Aug 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

236 days in Forsyth County

Growing Tips for Forsyth 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 Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Forsyth County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Forsyth County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.