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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.
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