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When to Plant Thyme in Newton County, GA

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.

Newton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 218 feet, Newton County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Thyme, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thyme root diseases.

Newton County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Aug 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 28

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
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~1,520 GDD — county provides 4,408 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Newton County, GA

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 โ€“ Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

232 days

Growing Tips for Newton 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Newton County, GA?

Newton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, GA?

Newton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Newton County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Newton County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.