When to Plant Thyme in Door County, WI
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.
Door County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 564 feet, Door County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.
Door County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Door County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Door County, WI
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 |
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 | 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 Door County
Growing Tips for Door 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 Door County, WI?
Door County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Door County, WI?
Door County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Door County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Door 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.