When to plant Thyme in Benton County, MS
In Benton County, Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 6–April 20 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 31 first frost.
When to Plant Thyme in Benton County, MS
What to do in June
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Benton County, Mississippi.
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Harvest thyme as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: 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.
Benton County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 470 feet, Benton County receives approximately 62 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thyme root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 Benton County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is more acidic than Thyme prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Benton County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 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 | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Benton 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 — Benton County, MS
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Benton County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after March 30 in Benton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Benton County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Thyme. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With 62" of annual rainfall in Benton County, ensure good drainage for Thyme — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Benton County, MS?
Benton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, MS?
Benton County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Thyme in Benton County, MS?
In Benton County, MS, plant Thyme after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, MS for Thyme?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 31.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.