What does creeping thyme look like in winter?
What Does Creeping Thyme Look Like in Winter? In mild climates, Creeping Thyme often remains evergreen, with its foliage staying low and close to the ground. In colder regions, it may turn brown or go dormant, but will regrow from the roots in spring. Creeping thyme is a perennial, meaning it will come back on its own every year. How quickly do creeping thyme plants spread? Creeping thyme takes time to establish, but once it does, it will spread quickly. This plant can spread between 12-18 inches wide by the third year.The thicker the upper layer, the faster your thyme will anchor in. This also helps kill any remaining grass or weeds underneath.Creeping thyme can spread aggressively, particularly in favorable growing conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to ensure it does not encroach on surrounding plants.Creeping Thyme seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Direct Sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are consistently in the high 60s or above. Division of established plantings can be done in March and April.
Is red creeping thyme a good ground cover?
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) Creeping thyme is a decent all around ground cover. For a short time, it may have pink or purple flowers when in bloom. The evergreen foliage looks nice in the Winter. Creeping thyme can handle light foot traffic. It’s easy to control having a moderate growth rate. Sprinkling seed of creeping thyme on the ground is rarely successful, although raising plants from seed in pots or trays under cover is a good way to produce a large quantity of plants.Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage.Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular choice in landscaping, particularly during the fall season. In this post, we’ll explore why it’s a fantastic addition to your fall garden and how to make the most of it in your landscape.
What should not be planted near thyme?
Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil. Don’t grow thyme near plants that require lots of water and consistently moist soil. Again, some herbs like mint, cilantro, basil and chives fall into this category because they require more water, more frequently. Garden peppers and cucumbers aren’t great companions to thyme, either.Herbs with the same growing requirements, such as oregano, lavender and sage, however, are excellent companions to thyme. However, plants that have dissimilar growing requirements are not a good idea to plant together. Don’t grow thyme near plants that require lots of water and consistently moist soil.Thyme, particularly variegated varieties like ‘Doone Valley’, silver thyme and lemon thyme, works nicely in fall plantings, where their fine leaves and low-growing habit works best at the front of your design. Success with herbs planted in fall depends on providing them with good drainage.Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil. However, it’s important to note that not all companion planting recommendations are backed by scientific evidence.
What does creeping thyme deter?
Red creeping thyme is about 1000x better than growing a grass lawn. It barely needs water, requires no mowing, repels mosquitoes, feeds pollinators, and is edible too. Creeping thyme can be direct sown, but I would highly recommend starting it indoors instead. The seeds (and seedlings) are teeny tiny and they and their equally tiny root systems need to be kept moist for weeks as they germinate and as the seedlings to become established.Thyme, including red creeping thyme possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.The key to a great Thyme patch is to provide the plants with a full sun location in well drained, preferably “lean” (low nutrient and humus content) or sandy soils. Ideally, Thyme like warm to hot days and cool nights as many of the species grow in the foothill and mountains of their native lands.Creeping thyme has a spicy fragrance making it an excellent choice for s sensory garden and may be used as a lawn substitute or to fill in between pavers. Although it is a member of the thyme family, it is rarely used as a culinary herb. It attracts bees and butterflies and is deer and rabbit resistant.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
As its name implies, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) will creep along your landscape and prevent weeds from popping up. Creeping thyme is evergreen in mild winters and blooms profusely from early to mid-summer, says Keri Wilson horticulturist for Garden Media Group. Overwintering: In temperate climates, creeping thyme will usually remain evergreen throughout the winter. In regions where winters are cold, plants may lose their foliage, but it will quickly grow back the following spring.Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.Creeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60’s or above. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date.Creeping thyme is relatively disease-resistant, but root rot can be a common issue. Root rot can occur when overwatered or planted in poorly drained areas, says Abdi.The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them. Monitor for pests and diseases.