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When to Plant Thyme in Leflore County, MS

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.

Leflore County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 115 feet, Leflore County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Leflore County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Leflore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 13

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Thyme needs ~1,640 GDD — county provides 5,166 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Leflore County, MS

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

252 days

Growing Tips for Leflore 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 Leflore County, MS?

Leflore County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Leflore County, MS?

Leflore County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Leflore County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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