Thyme is an aromatic herb. It has a unique flavor add can enhance the taste of any cuisine. You can have easy access to this fresh herb if you have them in your garden. Location Thyme likes to grow in full sun. It tolerates partial shade. To keep the plant growing well, you must ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. It grows well both in pots and in the ground. The best planting time is spring or anytime when the weather is warm. Propagation You can grow thyme from cuttings, seeds, or the division method. Divide the entire plant by breaking it into sections. Take 2-3 sections and plant them in separate pots filled with a seed planting mix. For growing it with cuttings, snip 3-4 inches of stem. Plant them in a 6-8 inch container. You can apply rooting hormone for fast rooting. The root will start appearing in 6-7 weeks. Buy Thyme plant Soil Thyme likes well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 6 7. It doesn't like adding too much organic material because it makes the plant bushy and reduces flavor. Buy Planting media Location Thyme requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, place it where it gets direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. A south-facing window is the best location indoors. In hot weather, avoid the afternoon sun. Watering When the plant is young, it's essential to water it deeply. When the seedling has established itself and grown about four to six inches tall, water only when the topsoil is dry. Overwatering leads to wilting of the plants. Fertilizer Thyme is not a heavy feeder. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer or aged manure will be sufficient for them. Too much fertilizer will reduce the flavor of the herbs. Buy Organic fertilizer Pests and Diseases Keep an eye out for white flies, scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Space them properly and give them good airflow. If you live in a humid region, be wary of powdery mildew. Buy organic pesticides Companion Plants You can grow thyme withbrinjal plants, potatoes, garlic,chives, androsemary. Harvesting Harvesting thyme before it starts flowering will give strong flavor and taste. If you clip it in the morning when the dew has dried, the herb will be fresh and flavorful. Health Benefits of Thyme Thyme essential oils, derived from the leaves of thyme plants, are used extensively in aromatherapy. They contain high levels of thymol (an antiseptic) and carvacrol (a disinfectant). These two compounds work together to help fight off bacteria and viruses. Thyme essential oils can also be used as insect repellents. In addition, thyme is rich in vitamins A and C and is a natural remedy for cough. Next step Gardener services Maintenance gardener Setup gardener Balcony gardener Vegetable gardener Flower gardener Virtual garden consultation Landscaping services Landscape design Landscape garden maintenance Online nursery Organic pesticides and fertilizers Plant media Organic seeds Extra reading 10 Medicinal Plants to Grow at Home Aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga) Plants to control diabetes Insulin Plant Nithya pushpa (Catharanthus roseus) Happy Gardening! Dr. Vandana K.
