When to plant Thyme in Aroostook County County,
In Aroostook County County, Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 25–June 8 for an 90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 24 first frost.
When to Plant Thyme in Aroostook County, ME
Top priorities for Aroostook County, Maine gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Aroostook County, Maine gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Aroostook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 Aroostook County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Thyme prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Aroostook County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 26 to harvest before frost.
Thyme Water Budget
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Aroostook 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 — Aroostook County, ME
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Aroostook County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Aroostook County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 18 in Aroostook 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 Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.
When should I plant Thyme in Aroostook County, ?
In Aroostook County, , plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Aroostook County, for Thyme?
Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Aroostook County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Aroostook County's temperate climate. Aroostook County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 24.
Your Aroostook County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Aroostook County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.