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When to Plant Thyme in Haines Borough, AK

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.

Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 1,921 feet, Haines Borough receives approximately 57.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 68ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thyme root diseases.

Haines Borough, AK (Zone 6a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
145 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Haines Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 15

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~80 GDD — county provides 145 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Haines Borough, AK

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Haines Borough

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Haines Borough, AK?

Haines Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Haines Borough, AK?

Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is September 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Haines Borough gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Haines Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.