Skip to main content

Overcome mistakes while growing Thyme in pots(USA)

Herbs are commonly used to add a new flavor to your dishes or soup and sometimes as medicine as well. So, it is beneficial to grow some herbs in your kitchen garden or in pots indoors. Thyme (Thymus) is a mint family evergreen herb that is native to the Mediterranean region.

It is mostly grown as perennial but in some hotter regions, people also grow it as annual.    

Growing thyme in pots

Thyme can be grown indoors or outdoors but the easiest way to grow it is in pots. you could put these at any place like a patio, balcony, etc but make sure it gets enough light there. 

Growing Thyme in pots in usa

Let's look into the details of growing Thyme in pots, and the care it needed to thrive well and produce a good harvest.

Thyme varieties

Thyme has so many varieties of which some are used for culinary and some in ornamental gardens as a groundcover. Although all varieties of thyme are safe to eat, some of those are not very well in taste. Following are some of the most common varieties of thyme.

Culinary varieties

  • Common Thyme
  • Golden king Thyme
  • Mother of Thyme
  • Lemon Thyme
  • French Thyme
  • German Thyme
  • Carway Thyme

Ornamental varieties

  • Wooly thyme
  • Creeping thyme
  • Mother of thyme

Thyme growing conditions

Thyme is a woody Herb that can easily grow in most of climates. It is hardy enough to survive during winter but too much heat can damage the plant.

  • Season of growing

The best time to plant thyme is in spring

  • Most suitable soil

The most suitable soil to plant thyme is well-drained sandy soil and potting soil because it can easily absorb and drain excess water. You could add some compost to improve the drainage of the soil.

  • Sunlight and temperature

It requires a moderate amount of sunlight, therefore, place it someplace where it can get 5-7 hrs of sun exposure. The ideal temperature to grow thyme is 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Soil pH

 It grows in different ranges of PH(6-8) depending on the variety. 

Requirements to grow Thyme 

 Tools required

  • Spade
  • Garden fork
  • Herb spinner or pruning shears

Materials required

  • Clay pot
  • Potting soil and sandy soil
  • Compost
  • gardening gloves

Guide to growing Thyme in pots

 Let's understand different methods of growing thyme and how to care for it properly.

  • Choosing a pot

The best pot to grow thyme is a Clay pot because it helps to manage the wetness of the soil and allows air access to roots. Make sure it has enough drainage holes so extra water can be drained. You could also add small rocks at the bottom of the pot because it protects roots from moisture at the bottom of the pot. The size of the pot can vary according to your needs preferably a 5 or 10-gallon pot. 

  • Planting the herb in the pot

There are many ways to grow Thyme in pots like by sowing, by dividing an existing plant, by propagation, or by planting seedlings. You have to choose the method according to your convenience and availability.

If you want to grow directly from seeds then sow the seeds during early spring in pots. Keep the soil moist, sow the seed 1/4 inch deep, and add a layer of compost at the top. It may take up to 4 weeks to germinate. After germination provide enough sunlight exposure to seedlings. 

You could also buy seedlings directly from the nursery to save time and effort. These are easily available at any nearest nursery.

  • Fertilizers and Pest control

Thyme doesn't require too often fertilizing. Add Diluted organic fertilizer every 3-4 months. 

Some of the pests like Whiteflies, spider mites Mealybugs can develop in Thyme leaves. To treat this you could use neem oil to remove it but make sure to read all guidelines before spraying it.

  • Irrigation

Thyme is a drought-resistant herb so it needs less water. Check the moisture in the soil by putting your fingers in soil 2-3 inches deep. if it gets wet that means the plant has enough water if it is dry then add some water to the pot. 

  • Pruning Thyme herb

When the plant gets fully matured it gets a good amount of foliage and dense which impacts the growth of stems which are beneath the foliage. So in order to provide sunlight and air to the whole plant prune it up to 1/3 of the length from the top by using pruning shears. make sure you leave half foliage in the plant to help it keep growing.

  • Propagating and Thyme herb

If you want to grow more plants then thyme can be easily grown from cuttings. Cut healthy green stems with multiple nodes. Then put it in a pot filled with water keeping some part of the cuttings out of the water. After two or three weeks roots start to appear. Then these cuttings can be transplanted in other pots.

  • Harvesting

The best time to harvest Thyme is during summer and spring before tiny white or pink flowers start blooming. Pick the top leafy part of the plant by hand or herb spinner, and wash the leaves slightly to remove dirt. Now it is ready to use as culinary in the kitchen.

Common mistakes by beginners while growing thyme

  • Do not overwater the plant as it can damage the roots and eventualy root rot and fungus can develop in plant.
  • Make sure you cut back the herb when it starts flowering and do not allow flowers in it because it will die quickly after flowering.
  • Do not overcrowd them in a pot because at later stages there will be less space when plants get matured.
  • Trim or cut them regularly to have healthy growth.
  • Do not put thyme in shade and give them access of sufficient sunlight.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Crabgrass Vs Dallisgrass in USA and weed comparison in lawn

We can use an annual grass-looking weed in a lawn for short-term periods. It is quite beneficial too because of its invasive, similar-looking, and low-maintenance nature.  Crabgrass is one of those few weed types of grass that looks like st Augustine and can work the same as lawn turf for short periods. But considering it as a weed is more suitable in warm season lawns like Bermuda and St Augustine.  Dallisgrass is a perennial weed that looks similar to crabgrass but has different properties. Crabgrass vs Dallisgrass in Lawn in the USA I can understand what things make you trouble distinguishing both weeds. Here, I've covered most of the points to help you with this query. Keep in mind that Crabgrass and Dallisgrass comparison is different from Bermuda and Centipede grass .  Crabgrass is an annual grass that loose life just after a couple of seasons per year. Dallisgrass recovers itself every spring and grows with its seeds and rhizomes. It doesn't need any external caus...
Read more

Bermuda grass Vs Crabgrass Turf comparison in USA

Bermuda grass is one of the best warm climate lawn grass and a very popular among lawn owners in warm regions. Crabgrass is considered a weed in the lawn that is highly invasive but still, can we compare them both as lawn grass?  Well, if you consider crabgrass in the lawn, it is low in maintenance and expands too fast which reduces the chances of weeds in its area. But still, is it good to consider it for the lawn? Well, we've to go through some valid points and explanations to compare Bermuda grass and crabgrass. Remember, you can compare these two as you compare ryegrass vs fescue. Bermuda grass vs Crabgrass Even after being a weed grass, crabgrass can invade even the Bermuda grass lawn in a very short time. Here, we'll see what is more effective in both to grow as lawn grasses and then we'll come to the final verdict. You can also compare Bermuda grass with other grasses like Bermuda Vs centipede grass. But first, I want to start with the identification of Bermuda and c...
Read more

Center pivot sprinkler system cost per-acre, 10-acres, 40-acres cost, parts, and maintenance

Precision irrigation is a very helpful way to save water and increase production. In lack of water conditions precision irrigation is a very effective and futuristic method.  Center pivot irrigation follows the precision irrigation principle. We can save up to 40% of water waste and can increase 15 to 20% production through the Center pivot irrigation system. This system is suitable for crops like maize, soybean , sugarcane , vegetable crops, etc.  Although its installation cost and maintenance cost is high but still less than drip irrigation and it's worth it in bigger crop areas.  Center pivot sprinkler irrigation system cost  Flowing water irrigation is a very irresponsible method these days when we are facing irrigation water-related issues. Center pivot systems use sprinklers to irrigate fixed sections.  This system covers a circular field and irrigates through sprinklers. These sprinklers can be adjusted and controlled precisely according to crop water ne...
Read more

Clusia Hedge trimming method and guide for beginners in USA

Clusia hedges are evergreen shrubs that improve the atmosphere of your landscape and lawns. This hedge looks shiny green and needs very little maintenance throughout the year. But letting Clusia hedges grow without trimming and pruning is not helpful to avoid diseases, overgrowth, unnecessary plant energy use, and imbalance of the shrub. Trimming provides the plant with a better look, grooms it well, and helps prevent diseases and yellow leaves. Pruning in the right season is important; otherwise, you may face different difficulties, just like when maintaining Barberry bushes later. Here, I want to discuss the trimming process of Clusia hedges step by step and the right time to start trimming. Clusia Hedge Trimming Clusia hedges are very good for landscape purposes, and I can say that because I have several in my lawn. I'll give you some of my tips to avoid any issues with shrubs during the post-trimming period. Let's start with Clusia hedges' features, and then we'll m...
Read more