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When to Plant Thyme in Clark County, WI

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.

Clark County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 850 feet, Clark County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.

Clark County, WI (Zone 4a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
140 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (0 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 8

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Thyme needs ~920 GDD — county provides 1,610 GDD Excellent fit

Thyme Planting Timeline โ€” Clark County, WI

Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 โ€“ Sep 30

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 4a

Growing Season

140 days

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, WI?

Clark County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, WI?

Clark County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Clark County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Clark County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.