How to Maximize Thyme Growing Conditions

Thyme is a popular favorite in herb gardens because of its flavor and versatility. It's easy to grow thyme, but to make it thrive, you'll need to do a few simple things. Maximizing growing conditions is simple and easy to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sand and soil
• Hand trowel
• Water
• Thyme seeds

1. Start growing your thyme indoors. Starting thyme outdoors is perfectly acceptable, but to speed the process up, start 15 to 20 seeds in a small pot indoors.

2. Choose your location. If you're going to plant your thyme outdoors, choose a spot with full sun exposure. If you're planting indoors, make sure you choose a location in front of a window with a southern exposure, to give the plants the most light possible.

3. Prepare your soil. Thyme thrives in light, relatively dry soils; so mix sand or another soil amendment in with your regular soil to maximize the growing conditions.

4. Plant your thyme seedlings. Leave 8 to 12 inches between the seedlings, since thyme can grow to be fairly large when growing conditions are maximized.

5. Water your seedlings, but don't overwater them. Thyme does not require a lot of water and will thrive in arid conditions. Water once per week in drought conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• A soil amendment is anything that you add to improve the conditions of your soil. Sand, organic matter, pea gravel and polystyrene beads are all good examples. Choose one that will allow the soil to be light and not retain much moisture.
• Thyme is native to arid regions and will grow best with very little maintenance. Don't try to pamper the plants; they won't respond well.