This morning I started some English Thyme seeds under grow lights and I couldn’t be more excited. Thyme ranks in the top 5 of spices I use all frequently in my recipes, especially when I am cooking chicken, beef or crock pots full of soup. This is my first time starting it from seed and I’m hoping for a bumper crop.
Brief description: Thyme is a perennial herb. It smells amazing, and adds to any garden.
Where to Plant Thyme: Thyme can be planted in raised beds, garden beds, as an ornamental edible, or in containers in full sun.
Planting Seeds: Start indoors about 6-8 weeks before average last frost. Plant at an 1/8″ depth. Thin to 1 every grow pot when about 1″ tall. When transplanting, space at least 10″ apart.
Growing Tips: Avoid pruning woody part of the stalk–it will effect how well Thyme over-winters. Thyme has average watering requirements, but is drought hardy and can withstand a little abuse. If plant starts to get a little spindly, cut it down about 4″ all around to encourage thicker growth.
How to Harvest: Harvest as needed, cutting sprigs from the top 4″ of the plant.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
My Favorite recipe to use Thyme:
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary and Thyme
Fun Fact: Thyme attracts hummingbirds, bees, birds and butterflies with it’s deep woodsy smell, so it makes a great addition to your garden, even if you don’t plan on eating it!
Becky says
One year I planted a creeping variety of thyme along the pathway to our faucet and hose. My helpful husband thought it was weeds coming up, and proudly showed me how he’d taken care of all those nasty weeds for me with some round-up. Needless to say, we communicate a lot more about gardening now.
Mavis says
Oh my word. That stinks. 🙁
Cindi Myers says
Thyme is my favorite herb! I dry it to use all winter. Try it in scrambled eggs — delish!
Mavis says
Wow! I never had. Thanks, I will try it tomorrow morning.
Robin says
Thyme glorious thyme a favorite of mine too. Good luck starting from seed. I have a few plants throughout my garden just to attract bees. I bet you can overwinter in your green house.
Trish says
I started a few thyme plants last year, kept 3 and gave some to friends who hadn’t successfully been able to start from seed. I use thyme and parsley all the time, hard to pick a fave between those two herbs.
Jenni says
Mavis, do you ever soak any of your seeds before planting them? I’m not starting any indoors. Plan to plant seeds outside and was wondering if I should soak them, and which ones if any?
Mavis says
I soak my peas! 🙂