When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Delaware County, IA
May in the garden — Delaware County, Iowa
A quick May briefing for Delaware County, Iowa gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Plant out lemon thyme
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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.
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 974 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Delaware County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Lemon Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Delaware County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Lemon Thyme will thrive.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Delaware 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 — Delaware County, IA
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Delaware County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after May 02 in Delaware 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 Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.