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When to Plant Thyme in Georgetown County, SC

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.

Georgetown County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 102 feet, Georgetown County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season. 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thyme root diseases.

Georgetown County, SC (Zone 8b) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Georgetown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Aug 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Aug 25

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 ~1,640 GDD — county provides 4,940 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Georgetown County, SC

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Aug 6

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 8b

Growing Season

241 days

Growing Tips for Georgetown 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 Georgetown County, SC?

Georgetown County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Georgetown County, SC?

Georgetown County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 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 Georgetown County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Georgetown County, SC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.