When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Big Horn County, WY
Your May planting checklist for Big Horn County, Wyoming
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Big Horn County, Wyoming this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Set out lemon thyme seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Big Horn County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 7,668 feet, Big Horn County receives approximately 13.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lemon Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lemon Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Big Horn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 Big Horn County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) is within Lemon Thyme's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Big Horn County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
Succession Planting Lemon Thyme
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Big Horn 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 — Big Horn County, WY
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Big Horn County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Big Horn County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after May 09 in Big Horn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Big Horn County receives only 14" of rain annually. Lemon Thyme needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Big Horn County, WY?
Big Horn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Big Horn County, WY?
Big Horn County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Big Horn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Big Horn County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.