Thyme has the botanical name Thymus vulgaris and belongs to the Mediterranean herbs and therefore also requires a suitable location. The resistant plant thrives both on the balcony and in the garden, if the conditions at the site are right.
- Spice plant from the Mediterranean region
- loves locations with warmth and a lot of sun
- does not tolerate strong wind and rain
- grows splendidly in the garden bed as well as in the pot
- copes with nutrient-poor soil qualities
Contents
- 1 Location in the garden
- 2 Location for balcony
- 3 Important conditions
- 4 Frequently asked questions
- 5 What to consider with thymes neighbors?
- 6 What to consider when overwintering thyme in an exposed location?
- 7 What are the special features of creeping thyme varieties?
- 8 Which thyme varieties are particularly well suited to local site conditions?
- 9 Author
Location in the garden
Most varieties of thyme originate from the countries around the Mediterranean. Therefore, the aromatic herb plant is accustomed to warm temperatures and little rain in the summer months. For these reasons, the thyme location in the home garden should match these site conditions. Although the plant is quite frost-hardy and tolerates the normal winters in Europe, it does not cope very well with the harsh as well as long winters in the high mountain areas. The herb can be used to border flowerbeds and garden paths. Furthermore, with a larger number, the creation of a spicy fragrant hedge and a fragrant lawn is possible.
- Ideally suited for the warmer wine growing regions
- Does well in Mediterranean themed gardens
- Also suitable for heather and rock gardens
- Prefers bright, sunny to full sun locations
- Needs at least half a day of full sun
- Optimal is protection from too much wind and rain
- Plant either in front of house wall or next to wall
- Stones give off stored heat in the evening and at night
Tip: You can also plant thyme in the upper areas of a herb spiral if they get enough sunlight.
Location for balcony
Almost all thyme varieties are also suitable for cultivation in containers on the balcony. In closed rooms on the windowsill thyme does not feel particularly well, but in the summer needs a place in the fresh air. However, the plant is better to move indoors in the cold winter months. In the residential outdoor areas thyme depends on similar conditions in the location as in the garden areas. Since this vigorous plant develops a widely branched and deep root system over time, the planting container should not be too small. This is the only way to ensure a sufficient supply of nutrients and water, even in dry periods. Otherwise the thyme will stop growing very quickly and will only thrive very poorly.
- Choose a sunny spot if possible
- Is dependent on protection from the elements
- Ideal location is directly in front of walls and windows
- Tub must be sufficiently large and deep
- Repot regularly to give room to roots
- Only conditionally hardy, needs winter quarters
- Unused guest rooms and bright corridors are ideal for it
Note: The plant should not be established directly in a window box on the balcony parapet, where it is not sufficiently protected from the elements.
Important conditions
Thyme is a true survivor and is accustomed to lean soil qualities from its home in southern Europe. Thanks to its extremely deep-growing taproot, the spice herb can provide itself with sufficient water and nutrients even in nutrient-poor locations with dry phases. Therefore, it can survive even some time without watering, for example, when the vacation is coming.
- Prefers well-drained, loose and sandy soil.
- Heavy and loamy soils are not suitable
- But can be loosened with sand
- Neutral to basic pH is ideal, from 7 to 8
- Lime in the soil is good
- Planting substrate should be moderately dry to dry
- Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging
Frequently asked questions
What to consider with thymes neighbors?
Most varieties of thyme get along well with almost all other Mediterranean herbs, just not with marjoram. There should be enough space between these two plants in the herb bed or spiral. They also should not be grown together in a planter.
What to consider when overwintering thyme in an exposed location?
Because thyme bears evergreen foliage, it can be sensitive to severe frosts and icy gusts of wind. Therefore, the plant should be covered with some fir brushwood or a warming fleece as frost protection in exposed locations.
What are the special features of creeping thyme varieties?
With creeping thyme varieties, it is recommended to plant them at the edge of garden beds and herb pots, which faces the sun. Otherwise, the plants may be covered by taller growing plant neighbors and may not thrive well in the resulting shade.
Which thyme varieties are particularly well suited to local site conditions?
The varieties bergamot thyme, cascade thyme, caraway thyme, ball thyme, lavender thyme and lemon thyme are particularly robust, grow vigorously and are eager to bloom. Therefore, they cope excellently with the demanding site conditions in the local latitudes.
