When to plant Thyme in Mohawk, MI
In Mohawk, Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 26–June 9 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 1 first frost.
When to Plant Thyme in Mohawk, MI
Top priorities for Keweenaw County, Michigan gardeners in June
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Keweenaw County, Michigan.
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.
Mohawk, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Keweenaw County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Mohawk Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Mohawk
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Keweenaw County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Thyme will thrive.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Keweenaw 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 — Mohawk, MI
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Oct 6 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Keweenaw County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Mohawk
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 19 in Keweenaw 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
When should I plant Thyme in Mohawk, MI?
In Mohawk, MI, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mohawk, MI for Thyme?
Mohawk sits in USDA Zone 5b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Mohawk's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Mohawk's temperate climate. Mohawk averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 1.
Your Keweenaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Keweenaw 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.