Thyme is one of those herbs that checks every box: it’s compact, flavorful, beautiful in the garden, and incredibly easy to grow once it’s established. If you love cooking Mediterranean-inspired dishes or want a fragrant groundcover that doubles as a culinary powerhouse, thyme is a must-have in your garden.
This resilient little herb has ancient roots—literally and historically. Folklore from the Scottish Highlands even credits thyme tea with boosting bravery and energy. But beyond the myths, thyme is a practical herb for everyday gardeners. It won’t crowd out other plants, it’s tough enough to handle dry spells, and it smells amazing. With a little care in the beginning, thyme will reward you with a constant harvest of tiny leaves packed with bold flavor.
Where and When to Plant Thyme
Thyme is naturally a perennial in warm climates, which means it will keep coming back year after year. It thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and doesn’t mind a bit of drought once it settles in. You can plant it in raised beds, tuck it between pavers, or grow it in containers. It’s even sturdy enough to tolerate light foot traffic, which makes it great for planting near walkways or borders.
If you’re in a colder region, you can still enjoy thyme as a seasonal plant or overwinter it indoors in pots. Either way, full sun is key—thyme loves light.
Starting Thyme: Seeds vs. Cuttings vs. Transplants
While growing thyme from seed is possible, it’s notoriously slow to germinate and can test even the most patient gardener. Most people skip the seeds and opt for nursery transplants or cuttings instead. Not only is it faster, but it also ensures you’re getting the same flavor and growth characteristics as the parent plant.
Growing Thyme from Cuttings
Snip off a 3-inch section of soft, green stem from a healthy thyme plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom inch and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant it in a small pot filled with moist potting mix, cover it loosely with a plastic bag to retain humidity, and set it in a bright, warm spot. In about 4–6 weeks, roots should form, and the cutting can be moved into a larger pot or the garden.
Growing Thyme in Pots
Thyme is a perfect container herb, especially if you want to keep it close to the kitchen for easy access. Use a pot at least 6 inches deep with good drainage, and set it in a sunny window or on a bright patio. Container-grown thyme can be brought inside during the winter, making it a great year-round herb for cooking.
Prepping Your Garden for Thyme
Thyme prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Sandy, well-draining soil is ideal—this herb hates soggy roots. Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients. Once planted, thyme won’t need much feeding, just a spring refresh with compost.
Transplanting Outdoors
Once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60–70°F, you can safely transplant thyme into your garden. Space plants about 12 to 24 inches apart depending on the variety, and water them in well. Thyme grows outward rather than upward, so it needs room to spread.
Watering and Mulching
Newly planted thyme should be watered regularly until it establishes a strong root system. After that, it becomes pretty drought-tolerant and only needs water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mulch around the base with straw or shredded bark to conserve moisture and insulate the roots during winter.
In colder regions, a thick winter mulch can help protect thyme from deep freezes.
Companion Planting with Thyme
Thyme gets along with most garden neighbors. Its aromatic oils can deter pests, and it attracts pollinators when in bloom. It’s especially helpful planted near strawberries, cabbage, eggplants, and tomatoes. Pair it with rosemary for a low-maintenance herb bed—they share similar needs and look great together.
Pest and Disease Notes
Thyme is low maintenance and naturally pest-resistant, but occasional visits from aphids or spider mites can happen. A blast of water or a spritz of diluted insecticidal soap usually handles the problem.
Avoid overwatering, as thyme is prone to root rot in soggy soil. Make sure your planting area has good drainage and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Harvesting Thyme
You can begin harvesting thyme once the plant is at least six inches tall. Use clean scissors to snip off sprigs as needed—ideally in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated. Frequent trimming actually encourages bushier growth, so don’t be shy.
Always leave at least a few inches of the plant intact so it can keep growing strong.
Storing Thyme
Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to preserve. It holds its flavor beautifully whether frozen or dried.
- To dry: Hang small bundles upside down in a cool, dry spot until crisp.
- To freeze: Spread clean sprigs on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a storage container.
Once dry or frozen, simply strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight jar.
Saving Thyme Seeds
Want to collect seeds for future planting? Wait until late summer or early fall when the seed heads start to brown and dry. Cover them with a paper bag and shake or rub the heads gently to release the seeds. Store them in a cool, dark place—thyme seeds can stay viable for up to three years.
Best Thyme Varieties for Home Gardeners
With hundreds of thyme types out there, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re after flavor, fragrance, or foliage.
- Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Your go-to variety for cooking. Great flavor and resilient in the garden.
- Lemon Thyme: A fresh citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and tea.
- Creeping Thyme: A low-growing groundcover that blooms with tiny purple or pink flowers. Great for walkways.
- Caraway Thyme: Offers a spicy scent and bold flavor. Lovely in southern gardens.
Quick Tips for Happy Thyme Plants
- Let it dry out: Thyme loves a break between waterings. Wet roots = unhappy plants.
- Less is more: Don’t over-fertilize. Compost in spring and fall is usually plenty.
- Keep it tidy: Trim thyme back in spring to prevent it from becoming too woody and encourage fuller growth.
- Weed wisely: Since thyme spreads horizontally, make sure it doesn’t have to compete with aggressive weeds.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned green thumb, thyme is one of those herbs that pays you back tenfold with minimal fuss. Once it’s growing, you’ll wonder how your kitchen (and garden) ever lived without it.