How to Plant Thyme: A Complete Herb Garden Guide

Overview

Gardeners with culinary flair love herb gardens—beautiful, fragrant, and practical. Thyme is a star in both garden and kitchen. Many succeed with thyme; the aromatic harvest rewards every effort.

Planting Steps

Step 1: Prepare Bed

Spring after frost: work soil 4–5 inches deep. Add 2 inches compost, incorporate, rake smooth.

Step 2: Sow Seeds

Place seeds on surface, 2 inches apart. Cover with ¼ inch soil. Water lightly.

Step 3: Maintain Moisture

Keep moist during germination (3–4 weeks).

Step 4: Thin Seedlings

When ~4 inches tall, thin strongest plants to 12 inches apart.

Step 5: Water Established Plants

Only water in exceptional drought. Thyme is drought-tolerant. Consider established after thinning and thriving.

Step 6: Harvest

Use pruners to trim stems with leaves/flowers. Leave ~6 inches stem to regrow. Harvest anytime during season.

Step 7: Winter Protection

Before season ends, harvest as desired. Apply 3–4 inch mulch layer for winter protection.

Step 8: Spring Pruning

Prune in spring to remove winter-damaged stems. Cut back to where new growth begins.