How to grow... Thyme

Rocket Growing Guides

Thyme

Thyme is such a versatile herb and when it flowers it is very pretty in the garden too. We grow English Thyme which has great flavour. As a young plant you can use the whole sprig, but it becomes woodier over time (excuse the pun) and the leaves can then be picked off to use.

  • Planting Tips
  • Growing advice
  • Chef's Corner
Choosing a site for growing veg

The right site

Growing in pots that can be brought inside over the winter works a treat. Thyme does not appreciate our wet weather!

growing veg in pots and raised beds

Can be grown in....

Pots are ideal for growing thyme.

Autumn Winter Large Vegetable Garden

How far apart?

25cm apart or one plant to a pot.

When your herb plants arrive....

Your baby plants will arrive carefully packed in straw. They may look a little tired from their travels. This is quite normal but, as soon as possible, carefully unpack them all.

Then, stand them upright. The roots may be dry, so give them all a good drink of water by submerging the roots for a few minutes in a container of clean water. Now they are ready to plant.

This herb plant is a perennial

This means that it is a plant that comes back yearly.

Looking after your plants....

Thyme needs sun and warmth, so be sure to keep pots in a sheltered place, or indoors if the weather is wet.

Thyme

Watering them

Thyme prefers drier soil, so you will not need to water it very often.

 

Thyme

Give it a trim

Cut your thyme plant back a little during the summer to encourage your plant to grow more. At the end of autumn, cut it right back.

They're ready to harvest when....

Picking your thyme regularly will keep the plant producing more.

Jargon Buster

Annual – a plant that completes its entire lifecycle in one year

Perennial – a plant that “dies” down at the end of the season, but comes back to life again year after year

Biennial – a plant that takes 2 years to complete its lifecycle before dying

Thyme

Great with...

Thyme is a really great herb that you can add to loads of different foods for a little extra flavour. It’s particularly well matched to:

  • Leeks
  • Chicken
  • Roast Veg

Types to try