How to Grow Thyme: From Seed to Harvest

Overview

No herb garden is complete without thyme thriving in a sunny corner. Popular in kitchen and garden, thyme grows easily and makes a beautiful border with lush foliage and wonderful scent. Start seeds indoors in early spring, transplant for a perennial herb returning yearly.

Growing Steps

Step 1: Sow Seeds

Fill seeding tray ¾ full with seed-starting soil. Sow tiny thyme seeds on surface. Cover with very thin soil layer. Mist surface with spray bottle.

Step 2: Germinate and Thin

Keep soil evenly moist. Seedlings sprout within a week. Place under grow light ~12 inches above tray. When 2 inches tall, thin strongest seedlings to 4 inches apart.

Step 3: Prepare Garden Bed

After frost danger passes, work soil with spade. Spread 1 inch compost, incorporate well, rake smooth.

Step 4: Harden Off

One week before transplanting, move seedlings outside 3 hours afternoon in sheltered spot. Gradually increase sun exposure and duration over a week.

Step 5: Transplant

Plant seedlings 18 inches apart at same level as in tray. Water thoroughly.

Step 6: Maintain

Remove weeds carefully. Mulch with straw for moisture and weed control. Water in dry weather—don't make soggy.

Step 7: Harvest

Minimal harvest first season to establish. Subsequent summers: harvest just before flowering to encourage abundant regrowth. Leave second growth through winter.

Step 8: Winter Protection

Late autumn: place shredded mulch over roots for winter protection and spring nutrients.