Thyme: he likes this location best

Thyme is a spice that is very popular in the home garden. In order to exploit the full potential of the thyme plant, you need a location where the plant of the Thymus genus feels comfortable.

plants in the garden

When planting the plants in the garden, a loose soil is advantageous. Otherwise, the taproot of the plant will not develop optimally in heavy and heavily compacted soil. The incorporation of sand, chippings or gravel increases the water drainage of the soil. In these barren soil conditions, however, thymes thrive optimally. Planting the plants in acidic or boggy soil is therefore not recommended. If moss grows rampant near the site, this is an indicator of unsuitable soil conditions. A location outdoors is possible for the popular subshrub. This should meet several conditions:

  • sunny
  • dry
  • sheltered from the wind
  • pH between 7-8
Note: The seeds germinate best under glass. You can then plant the small plants when you change location.

influence of the sun

The sun is the growth driver of the spice plant. At best, the plant of the Thymus genus gets half a day to enjoy the sun’s rays. Drought is not a problem. Regular watering is recommended.

Tip: A nearby stone wall is ideal for the plant to thrive. The stone wall provides shade for half a day and retains the heat of the sun. As a result, the crop thrives optimally after sunset thanks to the regular release of heat.

self-incompatibility

The thyme plants are considered self-incompatible. Self-incompatible growths react sensitively to the environment. A regular change of location and sufficient distance to other plants are therefore a prerequisite for successful cultivation of thyme. Some herbs are therefore ideal as neighboring plants for the undemanding thyme:

Cultivation in the pot

The cultivation of thyme in a pot is just as easy. Supermarkets therefore regularly offer ready-grown herbal plants. The pot or bucket fits perfectly on the windowsill in the apartment. With a sunny location and permeable soil, the herbal plant thrives from now on.

Note: Organic herbs are preferable. Check whether the plant has been treated with chemical pesticides or insecticides and finally decide on untreated potted plants.

For the herb plants on the balcony, permeable herb soil should form the basis as a substrate. Stagnant moisture is the natural enemy of the thyme, so the water has to drain away.

Idea: Creeping plants look good on the edge of a pot. From then on, the shoots will climb over the tub and offer decorative added value.

frequently asked Questions

Over time, thymes form a strong taproot that provides the plant with the nutrients it needs. So that the roots can meander through the substrate, loose and sandy soil is the substrate of choice.

Planting thymes outdoors immediately is difficult. Sowing takes place at the greenhouse site. Only lightly cover the thyme seeds with soil. After the first growth spurts, a change of location is possible and the small plants can go outside.

The self-incompatible herbal plant should keep a distance of 25 centimeters to other plants of its own genus. The same applies to mints such as marjoram or peppermint, which should not be in the immediate vicinity.

Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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