thyme for borders

Can thyme be used as ground cover?

Thymes are versatile, colorful, and fragrant plants, offering masses of delicate, starlike flowers. Tuck a thyme into a dry wall, stone walkway, or rock garden. Use it as a ground cover or as an edging for a perennial border. These hardy little plants add swaths of color and fragrance in unexpected places.

Does Thyme spread in the garden?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions.
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Thyme Plant Profile.

Botanical Name	Thymus vulgaris
Size	6-12 in. tall, 6- to 12-in. spread
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Loamy, sandy
Soil pH	Acidic to alkaline (6.0 to 8.0)

What should not be planted with thyme?

Although a variety of herbs (and even flowers, like marigolds and nasturtiums) can often be planted together, certain kinds like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, basil and chives prefer a more moist soil, and should not be planted directly with thyme.

Is thyme an invasive plant?

Check around these plants frequently to see if there are any unwanted baby seedlings growing around or beneath them. A: Thyme is not an invasive plant.

Is creeping thyme poisonous to dogs?

Safe Herbs for Dogs

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and creeping or wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) are drought-tolerant evergreens that are safe for dogs and bloom in the spring and early summer. ... Rosemary and creeping thyme grow best in full sun but will also grow in bright shade.

Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?

Thyme. Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.

Why does my thyme keep dying?

The most common reasons for thyme dying are: Thyme has root rot or fungal disease due to consistently damp soil. Thyme that is drooping and turning yellow because of damp soils or excess nitrogen in the soil due to additional fertilizer. Thyme plant that is turning brown, dry and dying back.

Does thyme like sun or shade?

Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window. Soil needs to drain well so there aren't “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.

How do I make my thyme bushy?

Really, the more you trim your thyme, the more it grows. Cut fresh stems in the morning, leaving behind tough, woody portions. Leave behind at least five inches of growth, so that the plant can still flourish. Regular pruning not only encourages more growth, but also promotes a more rounded shape.

Can I plant thyme and lavender together?

They grow well together since you can keep them watered at the same rate. When it comes to herbs that prefer sandier, drier soil, consider planting sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano and lavender near each other. These are Mediterranean herbs that thrive in that type of weather.

How do you winterize thyme?

Plant in a raised bed or improve drainage with organic soil amendments such as compost. Add a two- to three-inch layer of mulch to help protect plants through winter. Don't apply mulch before the onset of cold temperatures as it can cause the soil to heat up and actually make plants less winter hardy.

Can you plant thyme and mint together?

You can grow herbs in pots together as long as you remember two rules: avoid mixing those that like plenty of water (such as chives, mint, chervil, coriander, Vietnamese coriander) with those that like a well-drained soil (such as rosemary, thyme, sage, bay, and oregano).

Will creeping thyme kill other plants?

Will creeping thyme smother perennial plants if they are planted around them or will the perennial plants come up through the thyme? You should not have any issue with Creeping Thyme overtaking your perennials.

Which Thyme is best for cooking?

Dozens of varieties are available, but those interested in the best culinary thymes have only a handful of choices. Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme.

What is thyme good for?

Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders.

Does creeping thyme die in winter?

Winter Care

Depending on your location, creeping thyme will either remain evergreen or it will lose its leaves and some stems will die over the winter. You don't need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter.

How long does it take for creeping thyme to grow from seed?

Germination will take place between 14-21 days. 4. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet.

Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?

Red creeping thyme adds appeal to your landscape during springtime, however they are most gorgeous throughout summer as they burst open in stunning crimson flowers. They form a thick mat and are very effective in choking out weeds. ... It covers a large area rapidly and chokes out weeds.

Can you mow over creeping thyme?

Plant the thyme plugs about 8 inches (20 cm.) apart and water in well. Thereafter, say goodbye to fertilizing, thatching, regular watering, and even mowing if you so desire. Some people do mow the thyme lawn after flowers are spent, but it's okay to be a little lazy and leave the area as is.

Can you mow creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme rarely grows more than 2 inches tall, although its flower stems stand taller and can look scraggly and unkempt after blooming ends. A light mowing helps to improve creeping thyme's appearance and is quicker than hand pruning the plant.

How far will Creeping thyme spread?

Creeping thyme heights vary from 1 to 4 inches with spreads up to 24 inches or more.