Overview

English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a lovely plant that adds charm and aroma to your garden--and that tastes delicious in everything from soups to breads. It's an evergreen that blooms in summer and likes full sun. If you live in a cold area, you may want to plant it indoors so you can enjoy it all year. Many people put in pots to keep outdoors in summer and bring inside in winter.

Step 1

In spring, buy English thyme seedlings from a reputable nursery. If you prefer, grow your own indoors in early spring. To plant seeds, fill pots with a potting or compost soil, add seeds and cover with a sprinkling of that soil. Keep slightly damp by spraying with a mist bottle, and thin the seedlings when they sprout.

Step 2

Prepare the soil in the ground or in a pot. English thyme thrives in well-draining soil; if yours is clay, you want to loosen it up by adding an amendment such as peat moss.

Step 3

Dig holes about 6 inches apart and deep enough to cover the roots of the thyme plants. Carefully lift the seedlings out of their containers, watching out not to damage the roots. Put the plants in the holes, and lightly fill with soil.

Step 4

Water your thyme about once a week or more often to keep the soil moist. English thyme likes some moisture but it doesn't like to be soaked with water. If you're growing thyme in pots, keep a careful eye on the soil--it tends to dry out faster.