Thyme

Thyme is a perennial, hardy herb that is waterwise, easy to grow and wonderfully aromatic. It is widely used in cooking, has powerful antiseptic properties and many varieties make excellent groundcovers.

Planting tips :

• Choose an area of your garden which receives full sun and where the soil drains well. Thyme fares particularly well in slightly sandy soil.
• Thyme spreads quite rapidly, so plant it at least 30cm from surrounding herbs. Once it is well established, pick leaves and sprigs regularly to encourage further growth.
• Thyme will also benefit from being fed with liquid fertiliser once a month.

Uses:

• Common thyme (thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme (thymus x citriodorus) are the most popular culinary forms of thyme. Thyme is a particularly robust herb which holds its flavour well when added to stews and soups. It combines particularly well with lamb and tomato dishes.
• Thyme is also a potent natural antiseptic and is very useful for treating throat and chest infections. Simply make a tea with thyme leaves, leave to cool and then gargle with the tea three times a day.
• Many thyme varieties make excellent groundcovers. Try planting creeping thyme, Doone Valley thyme, green thyme and white thyme in sunny areas, rockeries or between paving stones.