How to Plant Thyme in a Small Pot

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Thyme is a perennial Mediterranean herb that thrives in fast-draining, lean soil and full sun. This easy-care herb also is a great candidate for containers. Planted by itself, or with other herbs, thyme can be grown outside on a patio or inside on a sunny windowsill. Thyme has a compact, mounding growth with aromatic foliage. To keep thyme looking its best, harvest sprigs continuously during the summer and early fall. While thyme won't go dormant when grown indoors during the winter, its growth will slow down significantly. Thyme plants will need to be divided after 3 to 4 years when they become woody.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Thyme plant, any variety
Pot, any size with drainage holes
Gravel or small stones
50/50 compost/sand mix or cactus/succulent potting mix
General purpose liquid fertilizer or compost tea

Step 1

Fill one third of your pot with gravel or small stones, making sure not to block the drainage holes.
Step 2

Fill your pot with either a 50/50 compost/sand mix or a potting mix formulated for cactus and succulent plants, leaving a hole in the middle for your thyme plant.
Step 3

Center the thyme plant in the container. The base of the plant should be level with the top of the soil.
Step 4

Tap the soil around the base of the plant.
Step 5

Water your thyme plant thoroughly. Allow the excess water to drain.
Step 6

Place the container on a sunny windowsill. Your plant should get 6 to 8 hours of sun each day.
Step 7

Fertilize your plant with a general-purpose liquid plant fertilizer or compost tea every two weeks from April to August.

Tips & Warnings

To set off the foliage of thyme plants, use aged clay pots (clay pots with algae or moss growing on the sides). Snip leaves and stems continuously to maintain your thyme plant's compact shape.
Over feeding your thyme plant will cause it to become leggy. Your thyme plant will need at least 8 hours of full sun a day to thrive. Never allow your pot containing the thyme plant to sit in water.

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