Thyme has the botanical name Thymus vulgaris and is one of the Mediterranean herbs and therefore needs a suitable location. The hardy plant thrives both on the balcony and in the garden if the conditions at the location are right.

In a nutshell

  • Mediterranean spice plant
  • loves locations with warmth and lots of sun
  • does not tolerate strong wind and rain
  • grows splendidly both in the garden bed and in pots
  • copes with nutrient-poor soil qualities

location in the garden

Most thyme varieties come from countries around the Mediterranean. Therefore, the aromatic herbal plant is used to warm temperatures and little rain in the summer months. For these reasons, the thyme location in the home garden should correspond to these site conditions. Although the plant is quite frost hardy and tolerates the normal winters in Germany, it does not cope particularly well with the hard and long winters in the high mountainous areas. Flower beds and garden paths can be bordered and demarcated with the herb. Furthermore, with a larger number it is possible to create a fragrant hedge and a scented lawn.

  • Ideal for the warmer wine-growing regions
  • Looks good in Mediterranean themed gardens
  • Also suitable for heather and rock gardens
  • Prefers bright, sunny to full sun locations
  • Needs full sun for at least half a day
  • Protection from too much wind and rain is ideal
  • Plant either in front of the house wall or next to the wall
  • Stones release stored heat in the evening and at night

Tip: You can also settle the thyme in the upper areas of a herb spiral if they get enough sunshine.

Location for balcony

Almost all types of thyme are also suitable for cultivation in containers on the balcony. The thyme does not feel particularly well in closed rooms on the windowsill, but needs a place in the fresh air in summer. However, the plant should better move indoors in the cold winter months. In the homely outdoor areas, thyme depends on similar conditions in the location as in the garden areas. Since the vigorous plant develops a widely branched and deep root system over time, the planter must not be too small. This is the only way to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients and water even in dry phases. Otherwise, the thyme stops growing very quickly and only thrives very poorly.

  • Choose a sunny spot if possible
  • Requires protection from the elements
  • The ideal location is directly in front of walls and windows
  • Bucket must be sufficiently large and deep
  • Repot regularly to give room for roots
  • Only conditionally hardy, needs winter quarters
  • Unused guest rooms and bright corridors are ideal for this
thyme, thymus

Notice: The plant should not be placed directly in a flower box on the balcony parapet, as it is not sufficiently protected from the elements there.

Important Conditions

Thyme is a true survivor and is used to poor soil quality from its home in southern Europe. Thanks to the extremely deep-growing taproot, the herb can provide itself with sufficient water and nutrients even in nutrient-poor locations with dry phases. That's why it survives for a while without casting units, for example when you're on vacation.

  • Prefers permeable, loose and sandy soil
  • Heavy and loamy soils are not suitable
  • But can be loosened up with sand
  • A neutral to basic pH is ideal, from 7 to 8
  • Happy about lime in the ground
  • Plant substrate should be moderately dry to dry
  • Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging

frequently asked Questions

What do you have to consider with the plant neighbors?

Most thyme varieties get along well with almost all other Mediterranean herbs, except marjoram. There should be enough space between these two plants in the herb bed or in the herb spiral. They should also not grow together in a planter.

What should be considered when overwintering in an exposed location?

Because thyme has evergreen foliage, it can be sensitive to severe frost and icy gusts of wind. Therefore, the plant should be covered with some fir brushwood or a warm fleece as frost protection in exposed locations.

What are the special features of creeping thyme varieties?

With creeping thyme varieties, it is advisable to plant them on the edge of garden beds and herb pots, which faces the sun. Otherwise it can happen that the plants are covered by higher-growing plant neighbors and do not thrive well in the resulting shade.

Which thyme varieties are particularly suitable for the local site conditions?

The varieties bergamot thyme, cascade thyme, caraway thyme, ball thyme, lavender thyme and lemon thyme are particularly robust, grow vigorously and bloom happily. That's why they get along excellently with the demanding site conditions in the local latitudes.

Category:

Vegetable garden