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Growing Thyme

Written by Peter Horn on .

A Quick Guide to Grow Thyme -Growing, Planting, Care and Harvest-

Thyme is a woody perennial with a modest growth rate that thrives in dry, sunny environments. It’s a popular Mediterranean herb that keeps its flavor in cooking and pairs well with other regional flavors like garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. Thyme may be grown at any time of year. Within a few months, it will be ready for harvest, and in temperature zones where it is resilient, it will consistently return year after year. Thyme is also thought to have antibacterial and preservation qualities and has been used medicinally and to preserve foods for a long time. Bees love the small pink, lavender, or white tubular blooms of thyme bushes, which bloom in the spring and summer. Its small grey-green leaves are evergreen, and in zones where it is a perennial, most thyme types may even be picked in the winter.

How To Plant Thyme

  • Thyme should be grown in full light. Thyme does not thrive in cold or damp conditions. Plant thyme in the afternoon shade if you live in a hot summer climate.
  • Thyme thrives on somewhat sandy, well-drained soil. Plants that are excessively big but not aromatic will grow in soil rich in organic matter.
  • Thyme grows best on soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.7.
  • Sow thyme inside three to four weeks before the final spring frost under fluorescent lights.
  • Start seed indoors at a soil temperature of 70°F. It might take up to 30 days for seeds to germinate.
  • Once the last frost is over, transfer thyme plants into the garden. Thyme may also be grown from spring or early summer cuttings or divisions.
  • Thyme may be planted outside as soon as the soil is workable in the spring, generally 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost.
  • In the spring, you can take cuttings or divide elder plants. Planting and spacing Thyme seeds should be sown 14 inches deep.
  • When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 12 inches apart. Rows should be 16 to 24 inches apart.
  • For cooking, cultivate six plants; for preserving, grow 10 to 18 plants. Thyme’s scent is thought to repel nuisance insects and hide the smell of plants that attract them.

How to care for Thyme

Your transplants won’t require much maintenance after they’ve established themselves. During extended dry spells, you’ll need to water your plants, especially if you’re growing them in containers, but only when the soil is almost totally dry. Harvest from your plants regularly to keep them from becoming scraggly. If you’re growing Thyme for culinary purposes, you’ll need to divide or replace it every three or four years. As the plants grow older, they will become woody, and their leaves will become less delicious. Plants three to four years old should be divided or replaced since older plants are woody and have less delicious leaves. You may also take cuttings and put them in containers inside. Your plants will be rather carefree once established, but you will need to offer them additional attention as seedlings. To maintain them in good form, water them during dry times and harvest them frequently. Then, all you have to do to keep your plants alive is trim Thyme and take cuttings every year or two, and you’ll always have fresh plants sprouting. You can compost old plants or let them continue growing and blossoming for pollinators’ benefit.

Growing Requirements for Thyme

  • Light:Because of their Mediterranean roots, thyme plants flourish in broad sunshine. Plant them in a sunny, exposed area in your garden or in beautiful pots that can be moved about to chase the light throughout the day. If you’re growing Thyme inside, place it on a sunny windowsill or, better yet, in a space that gets enough sunlight throughout the day, such as a sunroom.
  • Soil:The easygoing herb favors sandy or loamy soil over damp soil, and it may even grow on rough gravel. Thyme spreads fast, so keep your plants at least one foot apart when adding them to your garden. If you’re going to plant in a pot, choose a bigger one so the Thyme can grow into it. It’s also a good idea to use a clay container since it may drain away excess moisture from the soil and help your Thyme grow in the proper climate.
  • Water:Water your thyme plant only once in a while to keep it healthy—every other week or perhaps once a month, depending on your outdoor environment, should enough. Wait until the soil is totally dry before watering to saturation and let it dry again. Thyme is extremely drought-resistant, so don’t worry if you forget to water it for a few days.
  • Temperature:Thyme plants don’t require specific temperature or humidity conditions and may flourish for most of the year until frost. The summer months are when they grow the most.
  • Fertilizers:Apply a diluted all-purpose fertilizer to thyme plants in the spring. Using half-strength fertilizer will prevent the plant from growing too many leaves, which will dilute the aromatic oils.

Harvesting Thyme

When it comes to drying Thyme, knowing when and how to collect it is crucial. For the greatest flavor, pick woody-stemmed herbs right before they blossom. Then, just before a growth node, cut the stems for drying fresh Thyme. This will result in more bushing and a steady supply of delicious leaves. Harvesting thyme is best done early in the morning. Wash the Thyme after collecting it and brush off the excess water. You have the option of drying the entire stem or removing the little leaves. The leaves will dry faster if they are removed from the stem, but they will come off easier if they are removed from a dried portion of the plant. Pinch the end of the stem with your thumb and fingers and pull up the stalk to remove the leaves. The leaves are going to fall off. Remove any branches from the edges and begin drying new Thyme.