When In Doubt - Use Thyme

Thyme is one of those wonderful and versatile herbs that is easy to grow outdoors. It needs good sun and well-drained soil that is not compacted. Plants should be spaced 10” to 12” apart since they really like to have room to grow. They are low-growing with the stems typically reaching 8” in height. These plants tolerate drought and freeze relatively well.



Wait a minute, did you say freeze? Yes, as a matter of fact, these plants can be perennials. At the end of the season, clear away any leaves or debris and push some dirt up around the bottom of the plants to help protect them from the elements. Thyme does a good job of extracting “goodness” from the soil, so you should either add manure to replenish the soil nutrients or move the plant to a different location for the following year.


If one plant it not enough for you, thyme can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or dividing sections of the plants with ample roots attached.


Great, that was easy, but now what do I do with my beautiful thyme? Eat it! Thyme can be used fresh or dried and is particularly good to add to meats, stews, tomato, eggs or lamb.


For fresh thyme there are two methods typically used for cooking. Entire sprigs (stems and leaves) can be used in a “bouquet garni” style where the sprigs are used in the cooking process, but are removed before eating. The stems are woody and you probably don’t want to eat this part of the plant. The second method is to remove the leaves and add them directly to your soups or stews or meats. Thyme is slow to release its flavor so it is best to add early in the cooking process. If you wait until the end, the flavor will be too strong.


Fresh thyme can be stored in the refrigerator if you wrap the sprigs in a moist paper towel and then cover with plastic wrap. Unfortunately it only stays fresh about a week. But not to worry, this is an easy plant to grow yourself! It doesn’t get any fresher than that.


To help make it through the winter, when you long for the fresh herbs from you garden, just pull out some of your own dried thyme. Thyme is one of the best herbs for drying since it retains so much of its flavor. You can have your own thyme for up to a year this way. When substituting dried thyme in a recipe, only use about 1/3 the amount of fresh thyme you would normally use.


Did you know thyme and lavender grow well together? They have the same growing requirements, so try this pair.


“To smell of thyme” is a compliment to the early Greeks. This meant you were admirable, brave and energetic.


Thyme also has medicinal purposes, but there is just not enough thyme in my day to get into that right now.


I have heard it said in cooking – when in doubt, use thyme!