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When to plant Thyme in Sherman County, KS

Sherman County's 162-day season only supports one Thyme planting per year. Sow between May 9 and May 23 for the best chance at full maturity before October 11.

When to Plant Thyme in Sherman County, KS

Thyme
Sherman County, Kansas Zone 6a June

June in the garden — Sherman County, Kansas

June is a pivotal month for Sherman County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 11
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
Coming up in July — start thinking about
  • First harvests: thyme

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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.

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 831 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Sherman County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Sherman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Thyme Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (23 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1

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 Sherman County

How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Sherman 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 (4.1%) — Thyme will thrive.

How to Plant Thyme

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Thyme

2
successive plantings in your 162-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.

Thyme Water Budget

Plant needs
0.3″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.3" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 1.3" 1.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 1.3" 2.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 1.3" 2.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 1.3" 2.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 1.3" 2.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Sherman 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 needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 2,349 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline — Sherman County, KS

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

MonthActivities
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

0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Sherman County

Growing Tips for Thyme in Sherman County

Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 02 in Sherman 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Thyme in Sherman County, KS?

In Sherman County, KS, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sherman County, KS for Thyme?

Sherman County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thyme grow in Sherman County's climate?

Yes — Thyme grows well in Sherman County's temperate climate. Sherman County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sherman County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sherman County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.