When to Plant Thyme in Lee County, IL
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.
Lee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Lee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
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.
Soil Compatibility in Lee County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.9) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Thyme.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Thyme will thrive.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee 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 — Lee County, IL
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Lee County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after April 22 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Lee County, IL?
Lee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, IL?
Lee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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