Can thyme be used as ground cover?

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 long does creeping thyme take to 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 grow back every year?

Why Creeping Thyme Is an Optimal Ground Cover Appears to have more flowers than foliage during its peak blooms. Covers the ground in color and breaks up all of the green. Is perennial, returning every year and requiring much less maintenance than grass.

Does creeping thyme attract flies?

The plant actually attracts flies -- and bees -- because both insects are pollinators. ... You probably don't want to cover the thyme with chemicals, so the best way to rid the plant of flies is to cook up an all-natural spray for insect control.

Is lemon thyme a good ground cover?

A popular herb grown not only for its culinary uses but for its attractive foliage, lemon thyme plants can be planted to form a ground cover or among pavers along a path or patio. The tiny flowers are a bee attractor, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.

Where does creeping thyme grow best?

These herb plants grow best in a soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is a must that the soil is well-drained. And far from craving fertilizer, creeping thyme seems to crave poor soils, as do most herb plants. Grow them in full sun if possible, although they will tolerate a bit of shade.

Does Thyme spread in the garden?

Spacing: Thyme is a vigorous grower, so be sure to space accordingly. Plant anywhere from 12 to 24 inches apart, depending upon the specific variety. Companion planting: Thyme thrives in sunny conditions, so if you are growing thyme in containers, plant with rosemary, which also has similar watering needs.

What is the best way to grow thyme?

Planting

  1. Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. ...
  2. Soil needs to drain well so there aren't “wet feet.” In the garden, plant with other drought-tolerant perennials.
  3. In early spring, you may fertilize with organic matter, like compost, but not much soil amendment is necessary.

What can I do with thyme from my garden?

Thyme goes well with lamb, beef and poultry, so add the fresh leaves to roast meats, as well as soups and stews. In many US plant zones, thyme will be green all winter, so use the leaves to add fresh flavor to those bubbling winter one-pot meals. Fresh thyme also goes well with fresh tomatoes.

What is the best way to preserve fresh thyme?

Herbs should be washed in cold water and either spun dry or blotted dry with paper towels. Put rosemary in small Ziploc bag. Use a separate Ziploc bag for the thyme. Let thyme and rosemary stay in the freezer for several weeks.

Why does thyme taste bad?

Thyme is a pungent herb, which means that you will want to be careful with how much of it you use. You also want to give its flavor time to mellow out in your dish. Too much thyme or thyme added too late in the cooking process can result in bitter and overpowering flavor notes.

What does thyme do to the body?

Thyme to boost your immunity Luckily, thyme is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A. If you feel a cold coming on, thyme can help get you back in good health. Another health benefit of thyme: It's a good source of copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.