Thyme

Sowing.

Thyme needs extra care, so we suggest using a container. Gently scatter seeds over the soil in your container. Next, gently scatter soil over the seeds. Water thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap. Place the container in a warm location. Once you’re done, your seeds will germinate within one to 12 weeks. Once thyme seedlings are 4 inches (20 cm) high, you can transplant them outside.

Harvest.

Harvest thyme just before the flowers begin to open, by cutting the plant one and a half to two inches from the ground. It’s best to harvest thyme in morning. Do not wash the thyme’s leaves though, washing removes some of their essential oils. A successional harvest will develop but this should not be cut, as that would reduce your plant’s winter hardiness. Although a hardy perennial, thyme plants need care over the winter months to survive the cold.

Get creative in the kitchen.

Store fresh thyme leaves for up to a week in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Thyme complements beans, cabbage, carrots, chicken, corn, eggplant, fish, lamb, meats, onions, potatoes, soups, stews, tomatoes – it works perfectly with pretty much everything!