When to plant Thyme in Park County, MT
Plant Thyme in Park County during the brief May 31–June 14 window. With 119 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 20.
When to Plant Thyme in Park County, MT
This month in Park County, Montana
Welcome to July in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in 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.
Park County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.
At an elevation of 6,994 feet, Park County receives approximately 22.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Park County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 Park County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is within Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Park 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
Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Park 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 — Park County, MT
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
119 days in Park County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Park County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 24 in Park 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 Park County, MT?
Park County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 24. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Park County, MT?
Park County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Thyme in Park County, MT?
In Park County, MT, plant Thyme after the last frost (around May 24) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Park County, MT for Thyme?
Park County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Thyme grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thyme grow in Park County's climate?
Yes — Thyme grows well in Park County's temperate climate. Park County averages a 119-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 24 and first frost around September 20.
Your Park County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Park County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.