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When to plant Thyme in Somerset County, ME

In Somerset County, Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 29–June 12 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 26 first frost.

When to Plant Thyme in Somerset 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.

Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 356 feet, Somerset County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.

Somerset County, ME (Zone 5a) Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Somerset County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thyme Planting Timeline — Somerset County, ME

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 29 May 29 – Jun 12
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Oct 9

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

127 days in Somerset County

Growing Tips for Somerset 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 Somerset County, ME?

Somerset County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Somerset County, ME?

Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Thyme in Somerset County, ME?

In Somerset County, ME, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Somerset County, ME for Thyme?

Somerset County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thyme grow in Somerset County's climate?

Yes — Thyme grows well in Somerset County's temperate climate. Somerset County averages a 127-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 26.

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Your Somerset County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Somerset 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.

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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 Somerset County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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