Are you looking for a new hobby?
Growing thyme is an easy and rewarding pastime. It’s also a great way to add some greenery to your garden or patio without having to worry about watering it every day. You can even grow thyme indoors in pots!
If you want something that requires little maintenance, is beautiful, and smells amazing, then growing thyme might be the perfect activity for you. We have all the information you need on our website so click now and get started!
Thymes (Thymus vulgaris)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Thymes
Plant thyme in early spring after the last frost has occurred, usually late March or April. That is when its roots will begin to grow and its shoot will become strong enough to start growing into a robust plant that will bloom all season long. Although you can plant them outside at any time of the year, spring is the best time to plant thyme.
Thymes will grow in almost any soil type: sandy soils, loamy soils, and even clay soils as long as they are well-drained and not waterlogged all of the time. Thyme plants enjoy full sun to partial shade. They also grow well in containers and are even great for rock gardens.
Thymes are easy to grow but do need some maintenance. To keep thyme plants healthy, water regularly during the first two years after you plant it in your garden. After that, thyme will pretty much take care of itself. However, you must continue to remove old blossoms so that new ones can develop.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Thymes
Thymes are a great addition to any garden and can be used in many different ways. When planting thymes, it’s important to consider where in the garden they will grow best.
Thymes should be planted in a sunny location where they will receive plenty of sunlight. They also need well-drained soil, so it’s important to plant them in a spot where the soil doesn’t stay wet for long periods of time.
How Often Should I Watering Thymes
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, so it is difficult to give a specific answer. However, if you have a plant in a pot and there is no drainage hole in the bottom, then you should water your plant once a week. But if your plant is in soil that drains well, then you can cut back to watering every other week. Many people water their plants every 4-10 days.
Thymes are very easy to grow. They can even survive in dry soil, but if they are watered regularly, they will flourish. Many people plant them in sunny areas of the yard or garden because thyme can thrive in warm weather and full sun. If your home is too cold for these plants or you don’t get enough sunlight, you can buy a plant grow light to help keep your thymes growing.
When and How to Harvest Thymes
Thyme is a perennial that can be harvested at any time of year. The leaves and flowers can be harvested as needed. To harvest thyme, cut the stems just below the leaves. Harvesting the plant in this way encourages it to fill out and produce more leaves. Thyme’s flavor is at its peak when harvested, so be sure to use it quickly after harvest.
When growing thyme, leave some plants unharvested every year; they will continue to grow into new plants that can then be harvested for years.
If you plan to dry and store it, harvest your thyme on a dry day. Bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place with good air circulation for several days. To be sure that the dried thyme will retain its flavor after storage as well as possible, remove any leaves from the stems before storing.
Different Ways to Store Thymes
When storing thyme, there are a few different ways that you can do it. One way is to store it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Another way is to store it in a plastic bag. You can also store it in the freezer. There are many different ways that you can store thyme.
The first method is the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. One of the best places to find a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is at your local grocery store. While buying the jar, make sure it has a good seal and fits together tightly so that moisture does not get in and ruin the thyme. Fill your jar up with fresh, raw thyme sprigs. Before sealing it though, add some water at the bottom of the jar so that when you seal it, no air can get in. Some people will add a marinade to flavor the thyme before they store it so that when they take it out of storage, they can use it immediately.
Before storing the thyme in a plastic bag, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly. Take an herb brush that is made specifically for cleaning fresh herbs off and lightly scrub over all of the thyme sprigs. After cleaning them off with water and drying them, place them in plastic freezer bags. After placing them in the plastic freezer bag, you should remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it and putting it in your freezer. This way, when you take out a sprig of thyme to cook with, later on, all you have to do is pull it out and cut off the part that you will need to use. You do not have to take out all of the thyme so it can dry out.
The second way is through the use of a plastic bag. The same type of plastic bag that you use for your ordinary groceries works great as long as there are no tears in it. Put your thyme sprigs in the plastic bag and fold over the top several times, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Once you have done this, place it in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
The third way is by using a freezer-safe container or gallon-sized Ziploc freezer bags. Place your thyme sprigs in the container, leaving enough room for some air to be trapped inside. Seal tightly and place in your freezer.
Other Things of Interest About Thymes
- Thyme comes from the Greek word thymon meaning ‘to smell’.
- In some cultures, it is believed that wearing a thyme plant can help heal wounds and dispel evil spirits.
- It was one of the original seasonings used by early men because of its pleasant aroma.
- The Greeks considered thyme medicine for toothache and bad breath.
- In the past, thyme was burned in sick rooms to purify the air.
- Thyme makes a wonderful tea that is good for colds, coughs & throat irritations.
- A few drops of oil are placed on handkerchiefs and placed near pillows to alleviate headaches and insomnia.
- Thyme works great in small amounts with fish & other seafood, poultry, pork, and lamb dishes.
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Thymes you can have fresh herbs anytime you want! It’s a great idea to have to grow in your home or garden. Good luck with your new hobby and be sure to share pictures of your progress on the social media sites of your choice.