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Want a lush, green carpet in your garden?
Creeping thyme is perfect!
It’s low-maintenance and beautiful. Check out these 6 smart tactics to help your thyme thrive.
Ready for a stunning garden makeover?
Let’s begin!
Select the Right Spot
Creeping thyme loves the sun! Pick a place in your garden that gets plenty of it.
Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. It’s also a good idea to make sure the soil drains well.
Thyme isn’t a fan of wet feet. So, if your garden soil is a bit heavy, you might want to mix in some sand or gravel to help with drainage.
Raised beds and containers work great too!
Prepare the Soil
Before planting, take a little time to prep the soil. Loosen it up a bit and mix in some compost.
Thyme doesn’t need super-rich soil, but it does appreciate some organic matter. Aim for soil that’s light and airy.
If you’re planting it in a container, use a good-quality potting mix. A pH level around 6.0 to 8.0 is perfect for thyme.
Planting Time
You can start thyme from seeds, cuttings, or young plants. Seeds can be a bit slow, so if you want quicker results, go with plants or cuttings.
Plant them about 12 inches apart so they have space to spread out. Spring is the best time to plant thyme, just after the last frost.
Give them a good watering right after planting to help them settle in.
Water Wisely
Thyme is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to watering. It’s drought-tolerant once it’s established.
Water the plants sparingly. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Overwatering is a common mistake, so resist the urge to drown your thyme. In a container, make sure there’s good drainage to avoid soggy roots.
Prune and Harvest
Pruning helps keep your thyme healthy and encourages new growth. Trim it back in the spring and summer, but don’t take off more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Harvest thyme by snipping off the sprigs you need, cutting just above a leaf node. Regular harvesting will keep the plant bushy and full.
Overwintering Tips
Creeping thyme is pretty hardy, but if you live in a colder climate, give it a little extra care in winter. Mulch around the plants to protect the roots from freezing.
If your thyme is in pots, consider moving them to a sheltered spot to avoid harsh winds. With a bit of TLC, your thyme will bounce back come spring!