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When to plant Thyme in Alcona County, MI

Plant Thyme in Alcona County, between May 24 and June 7 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (139 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Thyme in Alcona County, MI

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.

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Alcona County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

Alcona County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Alcona County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thyme Planting Timeline — Alcona County, MI

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Oct 4

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

139 days in Alcona County

Growing Tips for Alcona 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 Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Thyme in Alcona County, MI?

In Alcona County, MI, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 17) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alcona County, MI for Thyme?

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

Can Thyme grow in Alcona County's climate?

Yes — Thyme grows well in Alcona County's temperate climate. Alcona County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 17 and first frost around October 3.

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Your Alcona County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alcona County (Zone 5b). 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 Alcona County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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