When to Plant Thyme in Lancaster County, NE
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.
Lancaster County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 31.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Thyme Planting Timeline — Lancaster County, NE
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Lancaster County
Growing Tips for Lancaster 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 →
Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Lancaster County, NE?
Lancaster County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, NE?
Lancaster County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Lancaster County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lancaster County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.