Using Thyme For Lawn Substitute Growing A Creeping Thyme Lawn

Is creeping thyme the same as thyme?

Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers. Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), also known as common, English, or French thyme, is most often used as a seasoning. The flavor of this hardy perennial is pungent and strong.

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.

How do I replace my lawn with creeping thyme?

Plant the thyme plugs about 8 inches 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.

Will creeping thyme overtake grass?

1) Yes, you must remove all the turf grass before you plant thyme. You didn't say this, but I am assuming your existing lawn is Kentucky Bluegrass which is the typical turf in Denver. If not removed, KBG will act as a weed in your thyme and because it is rhizomatous, it will spread and take over.

Is creeping thyme toxic 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 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.

What is the best low maintenance ground cover?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden

Heuchera. 1/11. An evergreen perennial, heuchera is known for its vibrant foliage, which ranges in color from silver to green to brown. ...
Honeysuckle. 2/11. ...
Brass Buttons. 3/11. ...
Creeping Phlox. 4/11. ...
Creeping Jenny. 5/11. ...
Stonecrop. 6/11. ...
Vinca Minor. 7/11. ...
Lamium. 8/11.

Will thyme come back every year?

Perennial herbs like sage, thyme, lavender, chives and mint do not need to be replanted each year. ... Annual herbs can be cut back more severely since they do not overwinter and they will regrow quickly.

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.

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.

Will Creeping Jenny take over grass?

Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') is a known thug. It doesn't play well with its neighbors but is perfect for replacing lawns as it can be kept within bounds simply by edging. The plant is less than 3 inches tall with an aggressive spread.

How quickly does creeping thyme spread?

Generally, creeping thyme takes one year to get established, and then begins to spread in its second season. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.) All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground's surface to periodically grow leaves and roots.

Does creeping thyme like sun or shade?

Although this ground cover prefers well-drained lightly textured soils, it will grow quite well in less than desirable medium and thrive from sun to light shade environments. Soil should be kept moist but not wet, as the growing creeping thyme plant is susceptible to root drowning and edema.

Is creeping thyme a good ground cover?

Creeping thyme plants generally stay short and can be effective ground covers. Some people go as far as using them as grass alternatives. A more common use for them is as a ground cover to fill in the spaces between stepping stones, although caraway thyme may be too aggressive for this purpose.

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.

Is creeping thyme invasive?

Other Invasive Plants That Spread Tansy: This is a, large plant grown for the yellow flowers that dry well, but it will spread into its neighbors. Benefits of Elfin Creeping Thyme Plant . ... serpyllum) can be invasive in some situations.

Is Red creeping thyme safe for pets?

That said, red creeping thyme is one of the many plants that you can find in your garden, but is red creeping thyme safe for cats? Yes, the red creeping thyme is safe for cats.

Can creeping thyme be mowed?

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.

Will thyme survive a freeze?

Cold-hardy herbs, such as chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, can often survive cold-winter temperatures while continuing to produce flavorful foliage, as long as they are provided with some protection or grown indoors.

How do you prune creeping thyme?

Prune thyme in the early spring once you see new growth starting. Look for the new growth at the base of the plant or from the lower stems. Once you notice new growth, use small garden shears or scissors to trim off about ⅓ of the oldest, woodiest parts of the plant. Do not trim the new growth.