When to plant Thyme in Audrain County County,
Plant Thyme in Audrain County County, between April 17 and May 1 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (198 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Thyme in Audrain County, MO
June in the garden — Audrain County, Missouri
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest thyme as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Audrain County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Audrain County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.
Audrain County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Audrain County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Audrain County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Audrain 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 — Audrain County, MO
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Audrain County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Audrain County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after April 10 in Audrain 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Audrain County, MO?
Audrain County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Audrain County, MO?
Audrain County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Thyme in Audrain County, ?
In Audrain County, , plant Thyme after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Audrain County, for Thyme?
Audrain County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Audrain County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Audrain County's temperate climate. Audrain County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.
Your Audrain County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Audrain County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.