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When to plant Lemon Thyme in Stringer, MS

In Stringer, Lemon Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 22–April 5 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the November 12 first frost.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Stringer, MS

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.

Stringer, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.

At an elevation of 468 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.

Stringer, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
242 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
242 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Stringer Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jasper County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Stringer, MS

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Aug 2

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

242 days in Jasper County

Growing Tips for Stringer

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 →

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Stringer, MS?

In Stringer, MS, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around March 15) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stringer, MS for Lemon Thyme?

Stringer sits in USDA Zone 8b. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemon Thyme grow in Stringer's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Stringer's temperate climate. Stringer averages a 242-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 15 and first frost around November 12.

🌱

Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 8b). 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 Jasper County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.