Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb in the kicthen and in the garden. It has a delicate leaf and flower which make for attractive underplantings under larger plants such as roses. Also a nice ground cover between pavers and it's a natural fro rock gardens. It is easily grown in Zone 6 - 10 gardens as well as in containers.
From a cullinary perspective, thyme comes in a variety of flavors. Many savory recipes call for common thyme Thymus vulgaris. Our favorite thyme for poultry is Lemon thyme T. citriodorus. It's wonderful in a marinade or inserted into the cavity of a roasting bird. fans of caraway will like Caraway-scented thyme T. herba-barona with its caraway fragrance. Thyme is a popular ingredient in <a href="http://greatlakesgardeners.com/community/index.php?/topic/3427-herbal-blends/" target="_blank">herbal blends</a>.
Characteristics
- Perennial or container grown herb.
- Full sun to partial shade.
Propagation
- Start seed indoors or buy plants. To germinate planted seeds, keep the soil temperature at 70 ° F. 180 - 200 days to maturity.
- For a detailed spring planting schedule, check out this Edibles Seed Starting & Planting Schedule.
Planting and Tending
- Plant in garden AFTER the last frost (dogwoods will be in full bloom) or use special protection to get ahead of Mother Nature. Soil temperature should be at least 55 ° F to transplant.
- Average soil. Good drainage is essential.
- Water with a liquid organic fertilizer one month after setting out in the garden.
- Cut back in the spring or fall to encourage bushy new growth.
Companion Planting
- Repels cabbage worm.
Plant near:
- Asian greens
- Cabbage family
- Sage
- Visit this link for a complete Vegetable and Herb Companion Chart.
More Information
Visit the Herbs Forum at GreatLakesGardeners.com to get answers to your growing herbs questions. To ask a new question, Register if you haven't already done so (it's free and helps protect the forum from spam), click on Start New Topic, enter your question and click on Post New Topic.
Come join us at our Vegetables forum, Herbs forum and Growing Vegetables & Herbs blog.
You may also appreciate these books on growing herbs.