Blog

When to Plant Thyme in Arthur County, NE

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.

Arthur County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 728 feet, Arthur County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.

Arthur County, NE (Zone 5b) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Arthur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme

Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Arthur County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Thyme Planting Timeline — Arthur County, NE

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

150 days in Arthur County

Growing Tips for Arthur County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Arthur County, NE?

Arthur County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Arthur County, NE?

Arthur County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 6.

🌱

Your Arthur County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Arthur 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Arthur County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.