When to plant Thyme in Fairdealing, MO
In Fairdealing, Thyme is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 3–April 17 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the November 2 first frost.
When to Plant Thyme in Fairdealing, MO
July in the garden — Ripley County, Missouri
Your Ripley County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Harvest thyme as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Fairdealing, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 1,300 feet, Ripley County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.
Fairdealing Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Fairdealing
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ripley County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Thyme.
How to Plant Thyme
Succession Planting Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ripley 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 — Fairdealing, MO
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Ripley County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Fairdealing
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after March 27 in Ripley 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
When should I plant Thyme in Fairdealing, MO?
In Fairdealing, MO, plant Thyme after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fairdealing, MO for Thyme?
Fairdealing sits in USDA Zone 7a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Fairdealing's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Fairdealing's temperate climate. Fairdealing averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 2.
Your Ripley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ripley County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.