Growing Thyme

The hardest part of growing thyme is deciding on a variety.  Lemon thyme, caraway thyme, or classic thymes for boquet garni.  Richly aromatic, many creeping thyme varieties not only withstand foot traffic, but release a wonderful aroma with every step.

Sun Requirements:  6 to 8 hours

Soil:  Well drained slightly alkaline soil (7.0 pH).  Add a little lime to the soil if necessary.  

Moisture:  Average moisture requirements, do not allow soil to remain wet.

Spacing:  Varies by variety.

Feeding:  Do not fertilize.

Growing from Seed:  Thyme seed does not germinate well, it is best to grow from cuttings or bedding plants.

Problems:  Wet soil can lead to root rot, fungus may develop in humid conditions.  May occasionally be bothered by spider mites.

Harvest

With a garden or kitchen shears snip off only the young tender growth from all over the plant.  Snip just above a bunch of leaves and the woody base will continue to produce new tender growth for harvest.  Flavor is fullest before the plants bloom.

Store

Wrap in moistened paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Preserve

Thyme will freeze well. Dry thoroughly, chop and freeze in freezer bags.