Meet the Herbs: Thyme

Is your garden in need of a plant that’s charming, tasty, delicate and hardy? Then it’s high thyme you plant this herb and begin exploring all the delights of this crowd favorite: thyme.

Thyme at a glance:

• Thymus vulgaris is more familiarly known as common thyme or English thyme
• Reaches up to 12 inches in height and makes a lovely groundcover
• Produces an abundance of white or pink flowers that bees absolutely love!

Is thyme hard to grow?

Thyme is actually quite easy to grow and isn’t fussy about soil. In fact, it doesn’t need rich or well-fertilized soil, just a spot that drains well.

Thyme loves sun! Choose a sunny location in your garden (and if you keep it indoors in a container, choose a sunny windowsill) and don’t go crazy watering. Thyme doesn’t appreciate overwatering and will be happier in drier soil.

Will thyme overwinter in the North?

Generally speaking, common or English thyme is hardy to Zone 4. (Mine overwinters in Zone 4a.) Just trim back your plant prior to winter. You can add mulch to help protect the plant during winter, or even use a cloche for added protection.

How can I use thyme in the kitchen?

Thyme is versatile in the kitchen and has a lot to offer. If you love making soups, stews, casseroles or chowders, this herb is an excellent addition. It’s also a choice flavoring for meats like veal, pork and lamb.

Plus, thyme is useful for much more—it’s a star when paired with vegetables, especially peas, tomatoes and broccoli. Thyme and potatoes? Dreamy!

You can bake with thyme, too—biscuits, breads, cakes, cookies, muffins … the choice is yours! In baked goods, thyme is often paired with its culinary best friend, lemon, for an extraordinarily tasty combination.

Don’t forget about beverages! Try adding thyme to teas and lemonade for enhanced flavor. Herbal vinegars are another option.

Tips for growing or preserving thyme?

Give thyme space. It will surprise you with its growth as it settles into a bed with plenty of room. Thyme doesn’t want to rub elbows with other plants. If confined to a container, it will remain compact in size.

Propagate thyme by cuttings or division rather than seeds. After harvesting, you can preserve sprigs by freezing or drying.

Thyme is truly lovely—it’s worth growing for its gloriously good looks and many uses in the kitchen. It’s an herb that will enhance your garden thyme and thyme again.

Samantha Johnson is the author of several books, including Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: Learn to Grow Anything No Matter Where You Live (New Shoe Press, 2023). She writes frequently about pets, gardening and farm life. Visit her online portfolio.