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When to Plant Thyme in Oneida County, WI

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.

Oneida County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.

At an elevation of 569 feet, Oneida County receives approximately 39.8 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.

Oneida County, WI (Zone 4b) Short season
131 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
131 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Oneida County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.1

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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Thyme Planting Timeline — Oneida County, WI

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 – Jun 10
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 – Oct 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

131 days in Oneida County

Growing Tips for Oneida 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Oneida County, WI?

Oneida County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oneida County, WI?

Oneida County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 28.

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Your Oneida County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Oneida 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.

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 Oneida County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.