Thyme is a hardy Mediterranean herb that grows well in pots, and it’s easy to grow from seed or cuttings. Start seeds 4-6 weeks before your last frost date and transplant seedlings in containers when they’re 8 to 10 inches tall.

When growing thyme in containers, consider using a clay pot to help the soil dry out between waterings. This will prevent overly wet roots, which thyme isn’t tolerant of.

Soil

If you want to grow thyme, you’ll need well-draining soil. A pH range between 6-8 is ideal and you should avoid adding too much organic matter to the soil, as this can make it more difficult for the herb to thrive.

Whether you are growing your herbs indoors or outdoors, it’s best to plant them in areas that receive ample sun exposure. For indoors, try a sunny window or find a sunny spot in the garden that receives full sun.

When planting thyme in containers, use a potting soil that doesn’t have added fertilizer like Epsoma Organic Potting Mix. It’s also a good idea to repot your thyme plants every few months, because old soil can change the way it retains water and nutrients.

You can start thyme seeds indoors in a seed starter tray or by sowing them directly into a pot of sterilized seed potting mix. Germination takes 14 to 28 days and seedlings can be transplanted outdoors when all danger of frost has passed.

Light

Light is one of the most important aspects of thyme growing. It’s a Mediterranean herb that likes to grow in direct sunlight but will also do well in partial shade.

Plant thyme in an area where it can get at least 6 hours of bright direct sun every day. It can be grown as an indoor herb, too, as long as it receives enough light to keep it healthy and flowering.

Thyme is an easy herb to grow once you understand how it needs to be cared for. It’s a Mediterranean herb that needs plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, well-draining soil and infrequent water to thrive.

Thyme is drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions, but it can be affected by fungus diseases or root rot in humid climates. To prevent these, avoid overwatering, and be sure to thoroughly dry the soil each time you water. In addition, mulch the bare soil around thyme plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Water

Thyme doesn’t like wet soil for long, and if you consistently overwater it can lead to yellowing or dieback of the plant. Watering thyme by hand or drip is ideal, as long as the entire area gets plenty of water to allow the stems to root in moist soil.

Plant thyme in well-draining soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, but not clay-based or overly sandy. For best results, mix a 30-to-70 percent horticultural grit such as large-particle sand or perlite with general purpose compost to improve drainage and prevent fungal infections.

Water thyme plants in the summer to a depth of 1 inch every 10 to 15 days, and reduce to two watering sessions a month during the fall and winter. Cease watering several weeks before the first rain, or when rainfall is scant, to allow the soil time to dry out thoroughly before the next irrigation.

The key is to get the balance right between watering and ensuring your thyme is getting adequate nutrients, as too much can cause the plant to grow leggy. A side-dressing of compost or worm castings in the spring and a liquid seaweed feed every few weeks during the growing season will provide enough nutrition.

Pruning

Thyme is a low-growing, evergreen perennial herb that comes in many varieties with different fragrances and flavors. It is often used in the kitchen to add a savory note to slow-simmered soups, stews, and grilled meats.

Thyme can be planted in the garden, as well as in containers. It grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. Ideally, you can amend your soil with a 30:70 mix of horticultural grit (large-particle sand or perlite) to general-purpose compost.

Once your thyme plants have grown, it is important to prune them regularly. This will encourage new growth and keep them healthy.

When pruning, take special care to remove dead or diseased stems. Also, be on the lookout for molded or mildew-infected areas. This can lead to a fungal infestation that will spread if left untreated.