Blog

When to Plant Thyme in Union County, GA

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.

Union County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 175 feet, Union County receives approximately 61.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thyme root diseases.

Union County, GA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme

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 Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 4.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 5.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.2" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 4.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 5.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, GA

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“8 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

195 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Union County, GA?

Union County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, GA?

Union County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Union County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.