How long does creeping thyme take to spread?
How long does it take for creeping thyme to spread? 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. Thyme is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering, except when newly planted or when growing in containers in hot, dry weather. Too much water is more likely to be a problem – the roots will rot in damp conditions, especially in winter, so be sure to choose a planting spot with free-draining soil.Like most herbs, thyme does best in full sun, and it tolerates drought well. It can be planted by seed in either late fall or early spring. Make sure to plant in good-draining soil.Thyme is very shallowly rooted and can dry out quickly, especially when the little plants are first transplanted. Thymes should remain moist but not soggy for best growth. Over head sprinklers, drip or hand watering can be used, as long as the entire area receives water allowing the stems to root in moist soil.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.
Is red creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
No, red creeping thyme (*Thymus serpyllum*) is not toxic to dogs. It is generally considered safe and is sometimes even used in natural pet care products. However, if a dog eats a large amount, it could cause mild stomach upset due to the essential oils in the plant. As its name implies, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) will creep along your landscape and prevent weeds from popping up.The compact and neat habit of creeping thyme is ideal for many different sites around the garden: creeping thyme between pavers, in paving crevices, and path edges, works particularly well where the foliage is lightly trodden on to give off its wonderful scent.So, is Creeping Thyme a dog’s bane? Not exactly. It’s not classified as highly toxic, but it’s not a canine superfood either.
Can you just sprinkle creeping thyme?
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. 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.In short, creeping thyme is what some ecologists refer to as an “aggressive plant”—not quite invasive, but still capable of spreading beyond intended boundaries, particularly in light shade or full sun sites with well-drained soil.Planting. Location: red creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained areas such as rock gardens, paths, slopes, or gravel beds. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Soil: prefers sandy or rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline ph (6.Aesthetic and Practical Advantages of Red Creeping Thyme This plant helps prevent soil erosion, maintains ground stability, and reduces the need for regular watering. Its thick growth also acts as a natural weed suppressant, which helps keep landscapes tidy without the need for chemical herbicides.Most thyme plants are perennial in moderate climates. While some thyme species are upright and shrub-like, creeping types are low-growing with a vine-like habit and can be a grass alternative that doesn’t require mowing (it will also choke out weeds).
Does red creeping thyme make a good lawn?
Red Creeping Thyme, grows 3 inches tall max so very neat–no mowing needed ever and has a beautiful fresh lemony scent. It is gorgeous with lavender, as a perennial which repels mosquitoes while attracting bees and can be grown as an entire lawn, or blended in with clover to improve the look of your yard. Red Creeping Thyme will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground.Aesthetic and Practical Advantages of Red Creeping Thyme This plant helps prevent soil erosion, maintains ground stability, and reduces the need for regular watering. Its thick growth also acts as a natural weed suppressant, which helps keep landscapes tidy without the need for chemical herbicides.
What should not be planted near thyme?
Although a variety of herbs (and even flowers, like marigolds and nasturtiums) can often be planted together, certain kinds like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, basil and chives prefer a more moist soil, and should not be planted directly with 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.Attracts / Repels: Thyme deters cabbage looper, cabbage maggot, cabbageworm, corn earworm, tomato hornworm, and whiteflies. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and bees. Companions: Thyme is a good companion to most vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes.Cauliflower, broccoli, kale, chives, garlic, leeks, onions, peppers, beets or any member or the onion family. Friendly garden neighbors: Carrots, celery, chard, corn, cucumber, eggplant, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radish, and strawberries.