Debbie Thyme is a trendy herb to grow outdoors. It is one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. Not only is it great for cooking and flavoring food, but it can also help keep the bugs away from your other plants!
If you love herbs, this is the perfect opportunity to start getting your hands dirty. Not to mention the fact that thyme is easy to grow and looks amazing potted or in an herb garden.
This guide will help you get started. Read all about growing thyme indoors.
Choosing the Container
When choosing a container for growing fragrant thyme indoors, it is important to select one that is wide and shallow and made of terracotta. This material allows for good air circulation and helps to keep the soil evenly moist. Additionally, taller pots tend to dry out faster than those that are wider and shallower.
The pot should also have drainage holes in the bottom, as thyme does not like wet roots, and the container should not be more than twice the size of the root ball. Consider using a hanging pot or a windowsill planter, which will help to keep the plants safe from curious cats or other animals. If decorative looks are desired, choose a color or shape of pot that will best match the room.
Soil for Thyme
Grow thyme from seed with the right soil composition. An ideal soil mix for thyme consists of two parts sand, two parts organic compost or peat moss, and one part loam soil. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic. For best results, the soil should be well-aerated but moist.
The best way to achieve this is by working a layer of gravel into the soil to facilitate water drainage and the soil’s overall permeability. The thyme should be planted slightly above the soil surface, allowing for air circulation and sufficient sunlight exposure. Thyme thrives best when placed in a bright but indirect location and temperatures around 65-70°F.
Watering should be done lightly but more frequently if the soil is dry to ensure optimal plant health. With the right soil composition and adequate sunlight, water, and humidity, you will be rewarded with fragrant thyme indoors for many years to come!
Planting Thyme
When planting thyme indoors, the best method is to set up a potting mixture of compost and potting soil with added sand for excellent drainage. Plant the seeds in the potting mix and lightly cover them with soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny window or in a spot that is consistently between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the seedlings have grown, pinch back new growth tips to prevent them from becoming leggy and maintain their bushy appearance. Keep the top layer of soil constantly moist, but do not overwater. If drainage is inadequate, try adding more sand to the potting mix to improve water flow.
Avoid fertilizing and use a water-soluble fertilizer once a month for best results. To keep your thyme fragrant, pick the leaves when they are just starting to open for the best flavor. Enjoy the fresh, fragrant thyme!
Watering & Feeding
Thyme is an aromatic, fragrant herb that can be grown easily indoors with minimal effort and attention. When growing thyme indoors, the key is to provide enough moisture without making the soil soggy. Water thyme indoors when the top one and a half to two inches of soil is dry.
To maintain the desired moisture content, you can mist the soil with a spray bottle or install a drip irrigation system. Feeding thyme is done by adding mixed fertilizers with an NPK designation of 6-4-8 at a rate of one teaspoon per gallon of water roughly once a month.
Be sure to avoid fertilizers too high in nitrogen, as this can lead to spindly growth and sub-par scent. With the proper watering and feeding, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful thyme indoors all year long.
Harvesting
Look for thyme plants that are drought-tolerant with small, fragrant leaves. This is important because your thyme needs to survive and thrive in a drier climate indoors. Make sure you have a container that is at least 10 inches deep.
When your thyme is ready to be harvested, cut close to the ground with scissors, preferably at the base of the stem. Make sure not to pull the leaves off the stem, as this will damage the plant.
After harvesting, feel free to cook with your fresh thyme, store it in a food container to use at a later date, or dry it for use in the future. With proper care, your fragrant thyme indoors can be a great way to add flavor to your dishes!
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity will affect the growth of thyme so it is important to ensure that the area is well ventilated. Adequate light, proper air circulation, and an average temperature of 70°F are needed to keep thyme plants healthy. Humidity is also important for thyme’s growth as plants need humidity levels in the 40-60% range.
Mist the thyme plants regularly to keep the humidity levels up. As thyme prefers slightly acidic soil, adding compost, sphagnum moss, or GROW can help balance the pH levels. Establishing optimal environmental conditions, such as proper temperature, and sufficient humidity will help ensure fragrant thyme indoors.
Propagating
Having a green Air Garden in your home can be a great way to add a little more nature to your living space. Growing thyme indoors is a great option, as it is a hardy herb that thrives in a variety of conditions. Propagating thyme is relatively simple and makes a great indoor addition to any home!
Though it’s a resilient plant with many variations, most gardeners prefer to use wild thyme, which is the most fragrant one. To begin, try propagating through cuttings. Take a 4-inch cutting for each starter plant then strip the leaves from the lower half leaving the leaves on the upper half.
Exploring the Guide to Growing Thyme Indoors
Growing thyme indoors is a simple yet rewarding process with multiple benefits. With the right potting soil and light conditions, it is achievable with little effort. If you’re looking for a unique herb to spice up your home and cooking, start growing thyme indoors now. Download our guide today for more detailed instructions!
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