When to plant Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County, MT
Plant Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County during the brief June 22–July 6 window. With 84 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 7.
When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County, MT
Your June planting checklist for Silver Bow County, Montana
Here's what deserves your attention in Silver Bow County, Montana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Silver Bow County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.
At an elevation of 5,305 feet, Silver Bow County receives approximately 14.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Silver Bow County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Lemon 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 Silver Bow County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.3) overlaps with Lemon Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Silver Bow County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lemon Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Silver Bow County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon 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.
Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Silver Bow County, MT
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 6 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Nov 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
84 days in Silver Bow County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after June 15 in Silver Bow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 84.0-day growing season in Silver Bow County is tight for Lemon Thyme (70.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Silver Bow County receives only 14" of rain annually. Lemon Thyme needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 →
Lemon Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County, MT?
Silver Bow County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Silver Bow County, MT?
Silver Bow County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Silver Bow County, MT?
In Silver Bow County, MT, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around June 15) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Silver Bow County, MT for Lemon Thyme?
Silver Bow County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lemon Thyme grow in Silver Bow County's climate?
Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Silver Bow County's temperate climate. Silver Bow County averages a 84-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 15 and first frost around September 7.
Your Silver Bow County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Silver Bow 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.