When to plant Thyme in Howard County, IA
In Howard County, Thyme is a spring-only crop. Plant May 11–May 25 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Thyme in Howard County, IA
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.
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,297 feet, Howard County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Thyme Planting Timeline — Howard County, IA
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard 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 →
Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Howard County, IA?
Howard County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, IA?
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Thyme in Howard County, IA?
In Howard County, IA, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, IA for Thyme?
Howard County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Howard County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 5.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.