Blog

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Echo, UT

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.

Echo, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.

Echo, UT (Zone 5b) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Echo Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Thyme

Lemon 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 Lemon Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Echo, UT

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 1
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 – Oct 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
July Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

94 days in Summit County

Growing Tips for Echo

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 →

🌱

Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Summit 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 Summit County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.