When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Kendall County, TX
Your August game plan for Kendall County, Texas
A quick August briefing for Kendall County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 2,187 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lemon Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Thyme root diseases.
Kendall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
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 Kendall County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.4) is within Lemon Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kendall County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
Lemon Thyme Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kendall 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 — Kendall County, TX
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Kendall County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Kendall County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after March 09 in Kendall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Kendall County, TX?
Kendall County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kendall County, TX?
Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.
Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.