Blog

When to Plant Thyme in York County, VA

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.

York County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 1,031 feet, York County receives approximately 43.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Thyme during the growing season.

York County, VA (Zone 7b) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

York County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Thyme

Thyme needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Thyme Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 3.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Nov in York County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” York County, VA

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Aug 21

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 โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“8 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

217 days in York County

Growing Tips for York 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in York County, VA?

York County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is York County, VA?

York County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help York County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 York County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.