Growing Thyme from Seed to Harvest

Do you cook with Thyme?  Do you grow it?  We love it!!!  Some of our favorite "cooking herbs" also have amazing properties for health.  Mother Nature provides all of the medicine we need if we just take the time to learn, grow and preserve.  

At the bottom of this post is a list of "healthy" herbs that I've shared over the years.  And, if you're looking for organic Thyme seeds, check out Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

Growing Thyme

Did you know that 2 teaspoons of Thyme contains 60% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin K?  It's true!  Not only is Thyme fragrant and delicious, it's good for you!

Thyme contains a powerful oil rich in Thymol, which is known to have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.  Thyme also contains nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.  Thyme also contains manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and selenium.

According to Nutrition and You: Thyme provides 0.35 mg of vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine; furnishing about 27% of daily recommended intake. Pyridoxine keeps up GABA (beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain) levels in the brain, which has stress buster function. Vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.  Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids like vitamin A and beta-carotene helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

From what I have read, Thyme has no negative side effects and is entirely safe to use.  Score!

source

So how do you grow it?

Thyme seeds are tiny. I recommend sprinkling over damp soil and then adding a fine layer over your seeds.

Plant thyme seeds in early spring about 6-8 seeds per “hole”.  If planting in volume, mix sand with the seed to prevent overplanting.

Read about Companion Planting to get the best results in your herb and veggie garden.  Thyme can deter cabbage worms!

Once your seedlings emerge, plant your Thyme no closer than 8 inches apart. Young plants should be set out in the garden in June, preferably in damp ground or just prior to rain.

Thyme propagates easily from tip cuttings or crown division. Since it grows slowly, especially early in it's life, weed-control is essential. Mulching with straw is helpful.
Thyme is harvested in mid-summer, just prior to flowering. Secondary growth will occur for the balance of the year, and this growth should be left to grow, or winter hardiness will be sacrificed.
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Thyme propagates easily from tip cuttings or crown division. Since it grows slowly, especially early in it's life, weed-control is essential. Mulching with straw is helpful.

Thyme is harvested in mid-summer, just prior to flowering. Secondary growth will occur for the balance of the year, and this growth should be left to grow, or winter hardiness will be sacrificed.

And the list continues to grow!!!  Stay tuned for more...
 

For more information, check out our Grow Your Own "Medicine" page

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