When to plant thyme in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA

Plant young thyme plants in Aberdeen and Hoquiam Apr 1 – May 27.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Aberdeen and Hoquiam's typical last spring frost is March 30. On the coast, the soil is usually ready for thyme around April 1.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty: Easy
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: Pick lightly the first year, freely after that

Step by step

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant young thyme plants Apr 1 – May 27, 12 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
Water only until established; thyme prefers dry soil. Replace plants every few years when they get woody.
Harvest: Snip sprigs before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Varieties that do well here

English thyme
French thyme
Lemon thyme

Watch out for

Root rot in heavy, wet soil. Give it gravelly soil or a raised spot.

Drought-tolerant once established and hates wet feet. Raised beds and rocky edges suit it.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA?

Typically March 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Hoquiam Bowerman Airport.

Is it too late to plant thyme in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can pick thyme?

Pick lightly the first year, freely after that. Snip sprigs before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Also plant in Aberdeen and Hoquiam around the same time

Planting dates for thyme in nearby areas

Astoria, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Coos Bay and North Bend, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Forks, WA Apr 1 – May 27

Full planting calendar for Aberdeen and Hoquiam · Thyme in every city