When to plant Lemon Thyme in Nicollet County, MN
Plant Lemon Thyme in Nicollet County during the brief May 4–May 18 window. With 162 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 6.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Nicollet County, MN
Your June game plan for Nicollet County, Minnesota
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Nicollet County, Minnesota.
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.
Nicollet County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,356 feet, Nicollet County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Nicollet County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon 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 Nicollet County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Lemon Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nicollet County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Lemon Thyme will thrive.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Lemon Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nicollet County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon 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.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Nicollet County, MN
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Nicollet County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Nicollet County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after April 27 in Nicollet County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Nicollet County, MN?
Nicollet County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nicollet County, MN?
Nicollet County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Nicollet County, MN?
In Nicollet County, MN, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nicollet County, MN for Lemon Thyme?
Nicollet County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Nicollet County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Nicollet County's temperate climate. Nicollet County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 6.
Your Nicollet County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nicollet 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.