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When to Plant Thyme in Eddington, Maine (04428)

Location

Eddington, Maine

ZIP Code

04428

USDA Zone

5a

Last Frost

Sunday, May 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, May 10, 2026 · Zone 5a

Pro tip: Start Thyme seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Thymus vulgaris
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 6-12"
Spread 12"
Type Ground cover
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Low (drought tolerant)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Thyme in Eddington?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, March 15, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CabbageEggplantPotatoStrawberry
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Thyme

See which plants help Thyme thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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Common Thyme Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Common Thyme

species

Classic culinary thyme with small, fragrant leaves; essential in French cooking.

Lemon Thyme

cultivar

Bright citrus-scented thyme with golden-edged leaves; lovely in fish dishes and teas.

Creeping Thyme

species

Low-growing groundcover thyme with dense mats of tiny flowers; great between pavers.

French Thyme

cultivar

Broader-leaved variety with milder, sweeter flavor preferred in Provençal cooking.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest tiny seed pods when brown and dry — just before they shatter.

Processing

Strip dried stems over a fine mesh, dry extra 2 days, store in small envelopes. Seeds are very tiny.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Thyme seeds can vary in flavor intensity. Propagate from stem cuttings to preserve culinary quality.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Thyme. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thyme in Eddington, Maine? +

In Eddington (Zone 5a), start Thyme seeds indoors around Sunday, March 15, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Eddington, Maine? +

The average last spring frost date for Eddington, Maine (ZIP 04428) is around Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5a.

How long does Thyme take to grow? +

Thyme typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Eddington, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, May 24, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Thyme indoors or direct sow in Maine? +

Thyme should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Eddington, that means starting around Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Other Plants for Eddington

Growing Thyme in Zone 5a

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Eddington, Maine, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Thyme seedlings outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.