|
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Home About me |
Garden Knowledge
E-Books
Garden Thyme
Thyme has been grown for many centuries and has been highly sought after for its fragrance, flavor, and ornamental value.Thyme is a semi-evergreen groundcover that rarely grows more than 15 inches tall. Thyme is available in both creeping and upright types. It's stems can become woody over time. Thyme leaves are small, usually 1/2 inch or less in diameter and oval to oblong in shape. It also is highly aromatic with each type having a slightly different scent.Thyme is related to the mint family
The tubular-shaped flowers occur in dense, terminal clusters and blanket plants in summer. Flowers also sometimes form in the leaf axils of the plant. Flowers are usually lavender, red, or white depending on the cultivar. The flowers are very attractive to bees, and the honey made from thyme-fed bees is considered a culinary delicacy.
How to Grow Thyme
All kinds of thyme prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. In fact, most thyme species do best in coarse, gritty soils that would be unsuitable for many other plants. Thyme grown in damp soil can develop root rot . Thyme should not be fertilized heavily because over-fertilized plants will become tall, spindly, and weak. Plants grown for use in the kitchen should be replaced every few years to prevent woody growth.Thyme is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, but does not like hot, humid summers. Cutting plants back will help them recover. Generally, creeping types of thyme overwinter better than upright types. Thyme is easy to grow from seed, cuttings, or division.
How to Harvest Thyme
Thyme can be collected from the garden whenever needed, it can also be air dried and stored in an air tight container. The best time to harvest thyme is early in the day after the dew has driedUses of Thyme
Only a few thyme species are used as landscape ornamentals. Thyme is wonderful in rock gardens. Sunny windowsills are also great locations for containerized thyme. Creeping thyme will tolerate occasional foot traffic and can be used between stepping stones or along garden paths. Thyme also can be used as an edging or border plant in herb gardens.The flavor of thyme blends well with lemon, garlic, and basil. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in cooking. Thyme often is used in marinades, meat dishes, casseroles, stews, herb butters, and vegetable dishes. The dried leaves and flowers of thyme can be used in sachets, and the essential oil of the herb is used in making colognes, soaps, and lotions.
Types of Thyme
There are many types of thyme are available. Listed below are some of the most common plants used in home landscapes and their characteristics:Common thyme
A creeping type, yellow and variegated foliage available, used in cooking.Wild thyme
There are creeping and upright types, different varieties have flower blooms in colors ranging from red to purple, foliage can be green, gold, or variegated.Lemon Thyme
An upright type, golden and variegated silver foliage available, strong lemon scent.Wooly thyme
A creeping type , fuzzy stems and leaves appear gray in color, good for rock gardens.Creeping thyme
Low-growing type creates a mat, grows only two to three inches tall, flowers bloom in mauve, white, and crimson.Planting thyme is an easy way to add fragrance and color to the garden. This easy-to-grow groundcover is an attractive addition to many landscapes.
On
The Spot Garden Tip
|
Garden Knowledge
E-Books
Discover The Easy Way To Save Money and Eat Healthy For Life With Organic Secrets.
|
|
Warning: include() [function.include]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /home/live2gar/public_html/garden_herbs/garden_thyme.php on line 589 Warning: include(http://24-7-ebiz.info/global/index.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /home/live2gar/public_html/garden_herbs/garden_thyme.php on line 589 Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://24-7-ebiz.info/global/index.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/live2gar/public_html/garden_herbs/garden_thyme.php on line 589 |