When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Carbon County, WY
This month in Carbon County, Wyoming
Here's what deserves your attention in Carbon County, Wyoming this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: lemon thyme
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.
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 110 days.
At an elevation of 8,469 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°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.
Carbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Carbon County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Thyme's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) overlaps with Lemon Thyme's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Carbon County is excellent for Lemon Thyme — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Thyme.
How to Plant Lemon Thyme
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carbon 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 — Carbon County, WY
Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Oct 18 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
110 days in Carbon County
Growing Tips for Lemon Thyme in Carbon County
Direct sow Lemon Thyme outdoors after May 31 in Carbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Carbon County receives only 15" 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 Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Carbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carbon 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.