Useful Herbs In The Home – How To Grow Thyme In A Pot. To say that Thyme is an essential ingredient in a variety of global cuisines is to vastly understate just how important this herb is in the preparation of regional foods across the world. It finds widespread use in recipes in British and European cooking, in African and Mediterranean dishes, and is used throughout the Americas and in the Caribbean – it is truly a global herb. Thyme is also one of the hardiest of herbs and is therefore ideal for those who are new to cultivating herbs for home use. It is also ideal for those with limited space, as it is simple to grow Thyme in a pot.
There are several types of Thyme that are available for home cultivation, and these include Lemon Thyme and common Thyme – chefs across the globe use both of these during the preparation of a variety of dishes. Lemon Thyme is fantastic when it is used in the preparation of grilled fish, and it adds zest to roast chicken. Also, Common Thyme adds depth and a grassy, delicate aroma to dishes such as honey-glazed pork and a variety of pasta.
So what are some hints and tips that will allow you to cultivate Thyme in a pot either within your home – or outside?
What Pot To Use For Growing Thyme?
The ideal pot for the growth of Thyme is a clay planter. Other types of pots are also suitable, but the advantage of clay pots is that they allow the soil to dry out between watering. This avoids the problem of the roots of the herb becoming saturated, which can adversely affect the growth of the plant and, in some cases, cause it to die.
What Soil To Use For Growing Thyme?
The ideal soil for the growth of Thyme in a pot is a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Perlite is a type of volcanic glass, and its porous, lightweight structure and tiny air compartments allows water to efficiently supply to the root system of the Thyme, but at the same time allows for efficient draining. The combination of the three potting materials will provide the ideal foundation for the growth of Thyme.
How To Grow Thyme Indoors?
For those who wish to grow Thyme indoors (for instance, in the kitchen), there is good news – the plant is extremely tolerant of areas that recieve indirect light. It is best to place this in an area where it will receive between five and six hours of light per day. Ideally, you should place Thyme near a window that faces South or West. A daytime temperature of around 60 F is ideal – but if it is grown indoors, the ambient temperature of the home, even during winters, should allow it to flourish.
Thyme is a herb that does not require a large amount of maintenance. A regular watering schedule is essential, but be careful as not to overwater the herb. Allow time for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Thyme will benefit from the application of liquid seaweed fish emulsion. However, do not overdo it. For this herb you should apply fertilizer twice a month – and dilute the liquid by half.
In order to encourage robust growth, you should cut back woody stems and should snip flowers as well.
Each season check if the roots of the plant are growing out of the bottom of the pot. If so, it is time to repot into a larger container.
If you choose to grow Thyme in a pot, you can enjoy even more robust growth transfer your herb by moving it outdoors during the warmer summer months. When relocating, start the Thyme off in a semi-shaded spot and then move it to an area that receives more direct sunlight.
In Conclusion
Those who choose to grow Thyme in a pot can enjoy an immensely rewarding experience. Once the foliage is thick enough, simply snip off the stems and pluck off the leaves for use in salads, sauces, and a wide variety of other dishes. It’s a fun way to bring some ultra-fresh excitement to any meal.