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When to Plant Thyme in Lincoln County, NV

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.

Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 5,852 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 11.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Thyme may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Thyme will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Lincoln County, NV (Zone 6b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Oct 5

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
0.3″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 734 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Thyme needs ~1,700 GDD — county provides 3,825 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, NV

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Sep 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
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 6b

Growing Season

180 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, NV?

Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, NV?

Lincoln County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Lincoln County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.