When to Plant Thyme in Florence County, WI
Your May game plan for Florence County, Wisconsin
Welcome to May in Zone 4b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: thyme
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.
Florence County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 1,147 feet, Florence County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Florence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Florence County
How your county's soil matches Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Florence County is excellent for Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Thyme will thrive.
How to Plant Thyme
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme
Thyme needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thyme Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Florence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Thyme Planting Timeline — Florence County, WI
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
118 days in Florence County
Growing Tips for Thyme in Florence County
Direct sow Thyme outdoors after May 26 in Florence County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Florence County, WI?
Florence County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 26. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Florence County, WI?
Florence County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 26 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Florence County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Florence County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.