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When to Plant Thyme in Lyon 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.

Lyon County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 4,379 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101ยฐF, 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.

Lyon County, NV (Zone 7a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Lyon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Oct 24

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 281 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Thyme needs ~2,060 GDD — county provides 3,888 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Lyon County, NV

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Sep 29

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 Transplant Outdoors
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 7a

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Lyon 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 Lyon County, NV?

Lyon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lyon County, NV?

Lyon County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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