Typically, Thyme plants are difficult herbs to start in your herb garden

Thymus vulgaris

Plant Type: Hardy Perennial

Growing Zones: Zones 3-8, depending on species

Thyme is a small woodland plant with heart-shaped, pale green leaves in a clump at its base, topped by dainty spikes of feathery white flowers. The foliage turns red in autumn. Native to North America, thyme plants grow fro 1 foot to 2 feet tall.

Tips for growing thyme

Thyme plants like part to full shade and cool, rich, moist soil that is well-drained, with a pH of 5.0-6.0. Germination takes 14 to 90 days. In the autumn, sow thyme seeds in flats, then bury the flats to the rim outdoors against a north-facing wall, and cover with glass. Moisten the soil occasionally as needed, and bring indoors in spring to 50 degrees, transplanting to the garden after the last spring frost.

For spring sowing, sow the seeds in moistened medium and place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. After 2 or 3 weeks, sink the containers in the ground in a shady spot and cover with glass. When the seeds sprout you can remove the glass. Then, transplant the seedlings to the garden in autumn.

In caring for thyme, it’s important to keep the soil moist and cool so use mulch, and water often during dry spells.  Do not disturb the plants.

Thyme: A Brief History

The name of thyme can be traced to two possible sources. Thymus was Greek for “courage,” which may fit an herb considered invigorating to the senses. But it could also derive from the Greek’s term for “fumigate,” and thyme was burned to chase stinging insects from homes.

Thyme was used to flavor liqueurs and cheeses. Beds of thyme were once considered homes to fairies. Thyme herb has been a symbol for early Greeks of style and elegance, and chivalry in the Middle Ages.

In ancient times, thyme pillows were believed to ease melancholy and epilepsy. It was even used to fight plague in the 15^th through 17^th centuries in Europe. In World War I, thyme essential oil was used as an antiseptic.

Thyme, as a medicinal herb, is used to treat sore throats, coughs and colds

In a hot infusion, thyme induces sweat and is considered effective against the common cold, congested lungs and bronchitis. It’s even been used to treat whooping cough, because of its expectorant effect.

Thyme tea also eases flatulence and soothes the digestive system. External baths with thyme can ease rheumatic pains and the oil is often used in massage oils.

Bees love thyme’s blossoms. The dried flowers of thyme have been used to protect linen from insects, and its leaves and flowering tops are used in sachets. Thyme also has antiseptic and stimulating properties that make it useful in herbal lotions and baths.

A note of caution: The isolated volatile oil of thyme is toxic in any quantity and should not be used internally except by professionals.

Thyme as a culinary herb in the kitchen

Thyme leaves are used with meats, poultry, stuffing and preserves. It goes well in gumbos, bouillabaisse, clam chowder, poultry stuffing, and slow-cooking beef dishes.

Here’s a simple herb Thyme recipe to add some extra zing to a simple butter garnish, courtesy www.cooksillustrated.com

Mustard-Garlic Butter with Thyme

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 medium clove of garlic, pressed through a garlic press
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme
Ground black pepper

In a small bowl, mash together all ingredients, including black pepper to taste.

Makes about 3 Tbsp.

Thomas Kueny, Publisher - http://www.growing-herbs.com