When to plant Lemon Thyme in Pulaski County County,
Pulaski County County's short 196-day growing season means one Lemon Thyme planting between April 16 and April 30. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Pulaski County, IL
June to-do list for Pulaski County, Illinois
Here's what deserves your attention in Pulaski County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting lemon thyme
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: lemon thyme
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.
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon 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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) is within Lemon Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Lemon Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon 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.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, IL
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Pulaski County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Pulaski County, ?
In Pulaski County, , plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County, for Lemon Thyme?
Pulaski County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Pulaski County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.