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When to plant Thyme in Lincoln County, ME

Plant Thyme in Lincoln County, between May 10 and May 24 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (159 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Thyme in Lincoln County, ME

Thyme

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.

Lincoln County, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 815 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Lincoln County, ME (Zone 6a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thyme Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, ME

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 20

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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

159 days in Lincoln County

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Lincoln County, ME?

Lincoln County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, ME?

Lincoln County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Thyme in Lincoln County, ME?

In Lincoln County, ME, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lincoln County, ME for Thyme?

Lincoln 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 Lincoln County's climate?

Yes — Thyme grows well in Lincoln County's temperate climate. Lincoln County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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