What are the disadvantages of creeping thyme?
Thyme is not winter-hardy in usda hardiness zones 3 and lower but is suitable for zones 4 through 10. For shaded lawns, creeping thyme may not be suitable. Thyme needs four to six hours of direct sun exposure daily to prevent wilting. Aroma: a creeping thyme lawn has a light, pleasing fragrance with just a touch of mint. The scent intensifies when the plants are walked on. Versatility: creeping thyme thrives even in challenging environments. Whether it’s rocky terrains, pathways, or even containers, this hardy herb can find its place.Creeping thyme is a dwarf, low-growing, creeping, woody evergreen. It is grown primarily as an ornamental groundcover. The plant’s leaves are aromatic, but it is not typically used in cooking. It measures 2-3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide.Creeping Pink thyme, with almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves, grows much more quickly than say a Pink Chintz Thyme or a Woolly Thyme whose leaves are very close together. The increased stem segment also provides a greater rooting zone for the thyme allowing it to spread faster.Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ is a charming, fast-spreading creeping thyme with fuzzy, gray-green foliage and a soft carpet of salmon-pink blooms in summer. Low-growing and aromatic, it’s perfect between pavers or in rock gardens.
What should not be planted near thyme?
In vegetable gardens, thyme pairs well with tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes, while it is not recommended to plant it with chives. For herbs, thyme thrives alongside rosemary, oregano, sage, lavender, and marjoram but should be kept away from basil and cilantro. 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.Thyme pairs well with drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano, and benefits vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, and strawberries by repelling pests.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.Thyme pairs well with drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano, and benefits vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, and strawberries by repelling pests.
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. As a creeping thyme native to temperate regions, it prefers temperatures ranging from 41 ℉ (5 ℃) to 95 ℉ (35 ℃). During summer, it requires frequent watering and soil moisture to tolerate the high temperatures. In winter, it can withstand temperatures as low as 23 ℉ (-5 ℃) with a slightly dry soil.When to Plant Creeping Thyme. Transplant creeping thyme in spring, shortly after your last frost date. While it enjoys warm, sunny weather, it will establish quicker in the cooler spring temps. If you start thyme seeds indoors, do so 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date.In regions where winters are cold, plants may lose their foliage, but it will quickly grow back the following spring. To prevent frost or freeze damage during the winter months, cover creeping thyme with several inches of a loose mulch, such as leaf mold.Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade. Creeping thyme is a hardy plant that doesn’t have many problems, although it can be susceptible to root rot in wet, soggy soil. It grows best in USDA zones 2-9.
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. Common Thyme Pests Whiteflies: These pests can weaken thyme by feeding on its sap and spreading plant diseases. Root Rot: Poorly draining soil or overwatering during wet seasons can lead to root rot, especially in spring or fall.The main symptoms of leaf blight in Creeping thyme include brown to black leaf spots, turning rapidly from yellow to brown. In the advanced stages, the infected plant part wilts, leading to overall plant decay.
Where is the best place to plant creeping thyme?
Creeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6. Creeping thyme is a slow grower and will take more than one season to reach its full potential. 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.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.Butterflies and bees are attracted to Creeping Thyme and use it for food and habitat, lending added interest and benefit to the local ecosystem. Creeping Thyme prefers dry soil and will not thrive with wet roots, so avoid the urge to irrigate regularly.The difference in how these thymes grow makes a big impact in garden design. Creeping thyme is the go-to groundcover, resisting foot traffic and suppressing weeds, while common thyme, with its upright habit, works best as a border plant or in herb gardens where you want quick access to flavorful leaves.
How quickly does creeping thyme spread?
How quickly does creeping thyme 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. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade.Creeping thyme may refer to one of several species of thyme, which are low growing and spreading rather than upright shrubs. They also tolerate moderate foot traffic. As such, they are commonly grown as ground cover thymes. This may be as a lawn substitute, between stepping stones or in an ornamental border.The perfect time to transplant creeping thyme is during the refreshing early to late spring months. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth. When transplanting, gently tease apart the roots, ensuring a thriving and lush creeping thyme garden.A perfect choice for garden borders and walkways, common creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) produces an abundance of pinkish-purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. This ground-hugging plant rarely grows over 3 inches high and can quickly spread over 12 inches wide.Spacing: Plant creeping thyme seeds one inch apart. Once seedlings form, transfer the new plants to their final spot, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. Sunlight: Creeping thyme thrives in full sun, though it can also do well in partial shade.
How long does thyme take to grow?
Thyme grown from seed may take a year or so to get established enough for you to start harvesting the leaves. 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.Thyme is an herb that can thrive with very little watering. You should only have to water this herb every 10–15 days. Thyme is also a plant that can thrive in colder months thanks to its hardy nature. Spending a little time in the study of herb watering and care can have a beneficial impact on your herb garden.However, always use thyme sparingly. If you use too much or add it too late, the taste can be bitter and dominate the dish. The leaves will typically fall off the sprigs and dissolve during the cooking process, but remember to pick up the stems before serving.Thyme (Thymus) is a compact evergreen shrub with small aromatic leaves. It’s easy to grow in a warm, sunny spot, in free-draining soil or containers. It’s also drought tolerant and needs little maintenance once settled in.Watering thyme Poke your finger into the soil about 2 to 3cm deep, and if it is dry, then water your thyme plant. In high summer, thyme will most likely need water a little more frequently; about once a week if it is hot and dry. Just ensure that the soil dries out completely between watering.