When to plant Lemon Thyme in St. Joseph County, MI
Plant Lemon Thyme in St. Joseph County, between May 5 and May 19 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (171 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in St. Joseph County, MI
Lemon thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, citrus-scented leaves. It combines the savory quality of thyme with a bright lemon flavor, excellent with fish and poultry.
St. Joseph County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 564 feet, St. Joseph County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Joseph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — St. Joseph County, MI
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
171 days in St. Joseph County
Growing Tips for St. Joseph County
Start from cuttings or divisions. Plant in well-drained soil. Trim back after flowering. Use as a fragrant ground cover or edging plant along garden paths.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in St. Joseph County, MI?
St. Joseph County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Joseph County, MI?
St. Joseph County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in St. Joseph County, MI?
In St. Joseph County, MI, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Joseph County, MI for Lemon Thyme?
St. Joseph County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in St. Joseph County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in St. Joseph County's temperate climate. St. Joseph County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 16.
Your St. Joseph County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Joseph 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.