Thyme (Plant Care Guide)

The most undemanding of all balcony herbs, thyme can survive almost without water and will still bloom and smell blissful.

To get a nice large plant that can be harvested relatively regularly, a bigger pot is needed - 2-3 liters up to 5 liters. Thyme spreads quite quickly and fills the pot space with roots. Therefore, providing a larger pot will ensure both its comfort and yours - less watering and a bulkier plant to harvest.

Thyme is a heat- and light-loving plant; it prefers a sunny, southern exposure and does not like excess moisture. Well-developed plants are notable for their considerable drought resistance. It is demanding of the soil's nutritional regime and likes to be well fertilized. To grow the plant, choose light, drained, well-worked and fertilized soils.

Thyme is a perennial plant, grown in the same spot for 4-5 years. Initially it is sown in spring from seeds. It can also be grown as seedlings, which in spring, in May, once the plants have strengthened, can be transferred to the garden. At the beginning thyme grows very slowly. Do not be alarmed. Otherwise it is very hardy and easy to look after. In winter it withstands even a glazed terrace.

Location: Sunny and hot.

Substrate: Clayey-sandy humus garden soil, optimal soil. Likes limestone. The substrate is mixed with a little mineral flour.

Growing: Sown from March to May - germinates in the light. It is better to buy pre-grown young plants.

Watering, fertilizing: During the growth period it is watered little, as the plant tolerates drought. Overwintered plants are fertilized once in April and after the first pruning.

Other care: None.

Overwintering: In light and cool conditions, almost dry. In spring it is pruned so it puts out new shoots.