When to Plant Thyme in Cameron County, PA
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.
Cameron County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 440 feet, Cameron County receives approximately 47.8 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.
Cameron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cameron County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Cameron County, PA
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 4 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Cameron County
Growing Tips for Cameron 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 Cameron County, PA?
Cameron County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cameron County, PA?
Cameron County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Cameron County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cameron 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.