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When to Plant Thyme in Sanpete County, UT

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.

Sanpete County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 6,969 feet, Sanpete County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Thyme successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Sanpete County, UT (Zone 5b) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 21
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Sanpete County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 30
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 8
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 57 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Thyme needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Sanpete County, UT

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 โ€“ Oct 8

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 โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

130 days

Growing Tips for Sanpete 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 Sanpete County, UT?

Sanpete County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sanpete County, UT?

Sanpete County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sanpete County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Sanpete County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.