When to Plant Thyme in Lincoln 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.
Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 1,129 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thyme to ensure they mature before fall.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Thyme Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WI
Thyme Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Lincoln 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
Thyme in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thyme in Lincoln County, WI?
Lincoln County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WI?
Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.