When to plant Thyme in Putnam County, MO
Plant Thyme in Putnam County during the brief April 25–May 9 window. With 181 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 16.
When to Plant Thyme in Putnam County, MO
Your July gardening checklist
A quick July briefing for Putnam County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Start harvesting thyme
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
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 Putnam County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.0) overlaps with Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Putnam 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 18 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Putnam 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 — Putnam County, MO
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
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 | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Putnam County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Putnam County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after April 18 in Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO?
Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, MO?
Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Thyme in Putnam County, MO?
In Putnam County, MO, plant Thyme after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Putnam County, MO for Thyme?
Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Putnam County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 16.
Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.