Thyme plant (Thymus vulgaris) is native to the western Mediterranean, and home gardeners grow it from seeds because they like the earthy, slightly minty taste.
This herb can be used to season meat, eggs, vegetables, and other foods because it goes well with many other flavors.
Thyme grows virtually anywhere and is equally at home inside or out. Plant in pots, along walkways, or in a sunny garden spot. In some cultures, thyme was even thought to bring fairies to homes whose families planted it nearby.
Thyme is a tough, low-growing perennial plant that can handle light foot traffic and is often used as an alternative to grass or as a “walkable” groundcover. If it’s healthy, it can live all the way up to zone 4 in the north and spreads easily. It also needs less water than grass.
Fun Fact: In earlier days, the Scottish highlanders drank thyme tea for strength and courage. It was also believed that a concoction of beer and thyme could cure shyness.
Thyme is a versatile and hardy herb that adds delightful flavor to many dishes With its earthy, minty taste, thyme complements vegetables, meats, soups, and more This classic culinary herb is easy to grow indoors or outdoors. However, proper watering is key to keeping your thyme plants happy and healthy. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how often to water thyme.
An Overview of Thyme’s Water Needs
Thyme is drought-resistant and doesn’t require frequent watering. In fact overwatering is more likely to cause problems. Here are some key points to understand about thyme’s water requirements
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Thyme prefers dry conditions and good drainage. Wet soil can lead to root rot.
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Established thyme plants need watering every 10-15 days, letting the soil dry out in between.
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Thyme planted in containers may need more frequent watering, as soil dries out faster. Check soil regularly.
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New thyme seedlings need more constant moisture to establish roots. Water more frequently
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Hot and dry weather causes thyme to need more frequent watering. Adjust as needed.
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Thyme can withstand short periods of drought due to its Mediterranean origins.
How to Tell When Thyme Needs Watering
The best way to know if your thyme needs water is to check the soil. Here are tips for when to water:
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Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry 2 inches down, it’s time to water.
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Pick up the pot and feel its weight. Much lighter means drier soil.
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Leaves may droop slightly when underwatered. But be sure drooping isn’t due to overwatering.
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If new growth is slow, thyme may need more frequent watering.
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In very hot weather, check soil every 2-3 days and water when dry 1 inch deep.
Get to know your plants’ signs of underwatering and overwatering. Thyme leaves turning yellow or getting spots could mean too much water.
Watering Thyme Indoors vs. Outdoors
Caring for indoor and outdoor thyme isn’t radically different, but here are some tips:
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Outdoor thyme may need more watering with full sun and heat.
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Indoor thyme should be kept consistently moist but not wet as air is drier.
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Container thyme outdoors needs more watering than in-ground as containers dry out faster.
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Best practice is to check soil moisture and not water on a fixed schedule.
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When watering containers, add enough water so it drains from the bottom holes.
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Prevent fungal issues indoors with pots that drain well and water only when soil is partly dry.
How Much Water Does Thyme Need?
When watering thyme, focus on soaking the soil thoroughly, then letting it dry out. Here are some guidelines:
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For potted thyme, water until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
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For in-ground thyme, soak the soil around plants to 6-8 inch depth.
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For the first year, water new plants 1-2 times per week if soil gets dry.
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Mature thyme only needs a thorough soaking every 10-15 days.
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In very hot weather, established thyme may need watering every 5-7 days.
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After watering, don’t add more until soil is partly dry 1-2 inches down.
Watering Thyme Step-By-Step
Follow these steps when watering thyme plants:
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Check soil moisture by digging 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Water when partly dry.
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Water slowly and deeply, soaking the soil around and below thyme roots.
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For container thyme, add enough water so it drains from the pot’s bottom.
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For in-ground thyme, water around plants to a 6-8 inch depth.
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Avoid getting thyme leaves and stems wet when watering. Focus water at soil level.
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After watering, don’t add more until soil is partly dry again 1-2 inches down.
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Increase frequency if weather is hot and dry, decrease when cool and wet.
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Remove any saucers under containers quickly after watering so thyme doesn’t sit in water.
Common Problems to Avoid
Here are some common watering mistakes to avoid with thyme plants:
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Overwatering – Wet soil leads to root rot. Only water when partly dry.
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Underwatering – If leaves droop or growth is stunted, increase water frequency.
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Fixing on a strict schedule – Check soil as thymes’ needs change over time.
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Not watering thoroughly – Water should soak 6-8 inches deep in soil.
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Frequent light sprinkling – Thyme needs occasional deep soaking.
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Wet foliage – Water soil only to prevent diseases forming on leaves.
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Letting thyme sit in water – Use containers with holes and remove any water in trays.
Tips for Healthy, Flavorful Thyme
Here are some final tips to grow your best thyme plants:
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Ensure thyme gets 6+ hours of sun per day for its required light.
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Prune thymes regularly to promote bushy new growth.
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Fertilize lightly in spring and autumn. Excess nitrogen reduces flavor.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites that can plague thyme.
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Plant thyme with herbs like oregano, sage, and lavender for flavor synergy.
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Harvest thyme just before flowers bloom for peak flavor and oils.
Give your thyme the occasional deep watering and let the soil dry, and you’ll reap bountiful, flavorful harvests of this lovely herb over many years. With the proper care, thyme is an easy and rewarding plant for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona)
This low-growing variety has pale pink flowers with a caraway-like aroma
Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)
This variety stays low and forms mats. It blooms in pink, magenta, lavender, and white, and it lives up to its name. And so, it’s frequently used as a ground cover.
Quick Guide: Planting and Watering Herbs
FAQ
Can thyme be overwatered?
Does thyme need full sun?
Is thyme a thirsty plant?
How do you keep potted thyme alive?
How often should thyme be watered?
It is recommended to water thyme plants one to two times a week so that the plant grows well. Make sure to water thyme only when the plant soil is dry as wet soil will develop diseases in the plant. Do not overwater the thyme plant as it can ruin the plant’s growth. Growing thyme has benefits for the nearby plants in the garden as well.
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
How much water do thyme plants need?
Water thyme plants so that soil is moist to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Thyme is a moisture-loving herb, but do not water to the point where you have boggy soil. Moisture depth that exceeds 1 inch puts your plant in danger of withering from excessive moisture. Less than 1 inch of moist soil is typically not enough for the aromatic herb to thrive.
How to take care of thyme plant?
Let’s begin to take care of your thyme plant. It is recommended to water thyme plants one to two times a week so that the plant grows well. Make sure to water thyme only when the plant soil is dry as wet soil will develop diseases in the plant. Do not overwater the thyme plant as it can ruin the plant’s growth.