Thyme is a great herb to grow indoors or outdoors. Its easy to care for, and has many medicinal and culinary uses. But what other plants should you grow with thyme? In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the best plants to grow with thyme and why they do so well. So, whether you’re new to thyme or want to find new plants that go well with it, keep reading!
Thyme is a member of the mint family and is related to lavender, oregano, and rosemary plants. Thyme is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 foot tall. It has broad leaves that are green on the top and white on the bottom. The flowers are small and purple. Like some other herbs, Thyme is used as a herb in cooking, and it also has medicinal properties. It has many varieties including lemon thyme, creeping thyme, Common thyme “thymus vulgaris” & thyme Archers Gold.
Thyme is a versatile herb that adds delicious flavor to dishes while also providing decorative appeal in gardens. But beyond taste and beauty, thyme serves a practical purpose as well – it deters pests and attracts pollinators when planted alongside other plants. Taking advantage of these companion planting benefits allows you to create an ecosystem where thyme and its neighbors can thrive.
This guide will explore the best and worst companion plants for thyme and provide tips for using thyme effectively in your vegetable garden, herb garden, perennial beds and more.
Why Use Thyme as a Companion Plant?
Here are some of the top reasons to incorporate thyme into your garden as a companion plant
- Deters cabbage moths, whiteflies, aphids, and other pests
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
- Provides fragrant oils that complement other herbs
- Can improve growth and flavor of certain vegetables
- Requires little maintenance once established
- Tolerates drought and poor soil
- Provides lovely flowers and foliage
By thoughtfully planting thyme near plants it benefits, you can reduce maintenance while increasing productivity in your garden.
Best Herb Companions for Thyme
Thyme pairs especially well with other herbs Try planting thyme near
Oregano
Oregano and thyme both repel pests and draw in pollinators with their small flowers. Plus they have complementary scents and flavors, making them ideal ingredients for herb seasoning blends.
Sage
Sage provides subtle fragrance that balances strong thyme scent. It also improves air circulation and deters pests. Allow at least 2 feet between thyme and sage plants.
Mint
Mint’s pungent aroma repels many insect pests, benefiting nearby thyme. Choose mints like peppermint and spearmint that have similar moisture needs as thyme.
Lavender
Lavender and thyme both prefer drier conditions and sandy, alkaline soil. Lavender’s oils nicely complement thyme’s flavors. Allow at least 12 inches between plants.
Rosemary
Rosemary repels insects and enhances the scent of thyme when planted nearby. It tolerates drought once established. Allow at least 2 feet between rosemary and thyme.
Best Vegetables to Plant with Thyme
Thyme makes an excellent companion for several vegetable crops, including:
Cabbages
Deters cabbage moths and loopers
Brussels Sprouts
Repels aphids and whiteflies
Broccoli
Drives away cabbage worms
Eggplant
Improves flavor and controls pests like flea beetles
Potatoes
Helps fend off potato beetles and may enhance potato flavor
Tomatoes
Repels hornworms and other pests while attracting pollinators
For all these vegetables, plant thyme around the perimeter of beds to take advantage of its pest control abilities. Make sure adequate space is left between plants for air circulation and growth.
Best Flowers to Pair with Thyme
Thyme’s pest deterring traits and pollinator appeal make it a great companion for several popular flowers:
Roses
Helps fend off aphids and black spot fungus
Carnations
Repels aphids and mites
Chrysanthemums
Wards off aphids and spider mites
Bee Balm
Attracts pollinators
Yarrow
Repels pests like mosquitoes and deer
Try using thyme as a perimeter border or interplant it throughout flower beds. The small size makes it easy to tuck in among larger plants.
Good Companions for Potted Thyme
If growing thyme in containers, partner it with plants that require similar:
- Soil (well-draining)
- Sun exposure (full sun to light shade)
- Watering frequency (let soil dry between waterings)
Some top picks include:
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Sage
- Lavender
- Rosemary
-Parsley - Chives
Arrange pots together in a sunny location for ease of care. Just be sure each plant has adequate root space.
Worst Companion Plants for Thyme
While thyme benefits many plants, a few poor pairings do exist. Avoid planting thyme near:
Basil
Prefers moist, nutrient rich soil unlike thyme. Basil’s thymol can inhibit thyme growth.
Parsley
Requires frequent irrigation that can lead to fungal issues for thyme.
Cilantro
Has higher moisture and nutrient demands compared to thyme.
Chives
Differing water, soil, and sunlight needs. Chives are also annuals unlike perennial thyme.
Onions
Onions release sulfur that can suppress thyme growth.
Tips for Successful Thyme Companion Planting
Follow these tips to get the most out of pairing thyme with other plants:
- Check growing condition needs and avoid mixing plants with very different requirements
- Space plants appropriately to prevent crowding and competition
- Use thyme borders wisely around plants it benefits
- Add pollinator-attracting flowers to boost the ecosystem
- Use containers to control soil, moisture, and light conditions
- Monitor for signs of pest damage or plant stress and adjust as needed
- Harvest thyme frequently to promote new growth
There are also some helpful tips to keep in mind for success.
Consider sunlight, soil, and watering needs
Different plants have different preferences when it comes to their ideal growing conditions. Make sure to pair thyme with plants that enjoy similar amounts of sun exposure, soil drainage, and frequencies of watering. For example:
- Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Pair it with other sun lovers like lavender.
- Give thyme and tomatoes the same amount of water – don’t overdo it!
- If a companion plant needs more moisture, give it its own space or grow thyme in a container.
Choose companion plants you use frequently
When choosing thyme companions, opt for ones that you personally use often in cooking, landscaping, or herbal remedies. That way, you reap benefits in the kitchen and garden!
Some great choices are:
- Tomatoes – for salads, sauces, roasting
- Rosemary – seasoning for meats, soups
- Strawberries – smoothies, desserts, snacking
Plant pollinator-attractors together
Group flowering plants that lure helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies. The bugs will move pollen between them, boosting yields.
Try combining thyme with:
- Lavender
- Sage
- Roses
Maximize garden space
Make the most of small garden plots by efficiently interplanting thyme with compatible crops. This increases yields without needing more ground space.
Some space-savvy matches:
- Thyme + shallots
- Thyme + cabbage
- Thyme + potatoes
With a bit of planning and smart plant pairings, your thyme will flourish wonderfully alongside its new garden buddies. Happy growing!
How to Use Thyme as a Companion Plant
Here is a simple process for incorporating thyme effectively:
Check Plant Compatibilities
Make sure chosen plants have overlapping needs for sunlight, soil, and water to prevent stress.
Amend Soil
Prepare planting area with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Create a Thyme Border
Ring vegetable patches, herb beds, or flower plots with thyme plants spaced 8-12 inches apart.
Interplant with Flowers
Add bee balm, yarrow or other small flowers among the thyme to attract pollinators.
Monitor Growth
Watch for signs of diseases or pests and treat issues immediately to prevent spreading.
Harvest Often
Cut thyme stems frequently to encourage bushy, new growth.
Proper planning and care makes growing thyme alongside other plants a breeze!
Common Pests and Diseases of Thyme
Even though thyme deters many pests, it can still become damaged by some insects and diseases. Watch for these common problems:
- Aphids – Small, green or black soft-bodied insects that cluster on stems and leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Use strong sprays of water to remove or apply neem oil.
- Spider mites – Tiny reddish brown mites that form webs on the undersides of leaves. Leaves turn speckled or yellowed. Knock off with water or use insecticidal soap sprays.
- Thrips – Tiny dark or yellow insects that rasp foliage. Leaves turn silvered. Remove damaged parts immediately and use sticky traps for monitoring.
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Stems turn black and collapse. Improve soil drainage and avoid excessive moisture.
- Fungal leaf spot – Leaves develop small black spots circled by yellowing. Prune damaged parts and avoid overhead watering.
Good growing practices are key to preventing issues. Ensure thyme receives enough sun, prune old growth, and don’t overwater.
Reasons Thyme Makes a Great Companion Plant
Here’s a quick summary of what makes thyme such a valuable companion:
- Deters cabbage moths, aphids, and other pests from bothering nearby plants.
- Provides fragrant oils that complement other herbs like lavender, sage and mint.
- Attracts pollinators with its small tubular flowers.
- Adds wonderful flavor when used in cooking with companion veggies like potatoes, cabbage and eggplant.
- Requires little watering or fertilizing once established.
- Tolerates poor, dry soils making it versatile.
- Low growing habit lets it tuck nicely between larger plants.
- Leaves can be frequently harvested to supply the kitchen.
Take advantage of all these benefits by making thyme a staple companion plant in your edible and ornamental gardens!
Final Thoughts on Growing Thyme as a Companion
By understanding companion relationships, you can take advantage of nature’s own balancing systems for a low maintenance, highly productive garden. Thyme’s pest deterring abilities and compatibility with herbs, vegetables and flowers make it a companion planting MVP. Keep its needs in mind and space plants appropriately for success. With the right partnerships, your thyme will thrive while helping other plants prosper as well.
Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Near Thyme
There are a few plants that you should definitely not grow next to thyme. All of these plants including hydrangea, azaleas, rhododendrons, and maples. They produce large quantities of sap that can damage thyme if it gets on the plant.
Here are some other non-compatible plants which you should not grow with thyme.
Cilantro (Coriander) should not be planted as a companion plant to thyme. These plants belong to different families and have different tolerances for pests and diseases. Additionally, cilantro has a strong, pungent taste that may compete with thyme.
Basil is not a good companion plant for thyme because of their different preferences in soil and sunlight. Basil does best in warm, dry climates, while thyme prefers moist soils. Basil also grows quickly rigorously, overshadowing thyme. Basil can produce thymol, a potent chemical that can inhibit the growth of thyme. Basil also competes with thyme for wateand nutrients, and can block sunlight from reaching the thyme.
Chives should not be planted as companion plants to thyme because they share several incompatible characteristics. For one, chives are an annual plant, while thyme is a perennial. Additionally, chives are susceptible to pests and diseases, while thyme is resistant to many of the same problems. Finally, both plants grow in different soil types and require different watering schedules.
A lot of gardeners think that onions and thyme go well together because they look good with each other. Thyme and onions, on the other hand, should not be planted together because they have different needs and grow in different ways. Onions grow slowly and spread out, while thyme grows quickly and spreads up. Additionally, onions contain sulfides that can inhibit the growth of thyme.
Besides adding companion plants,
Requirements for thyme plant
For planting thyme, the following are certain requirements you need to follow for its optimal growth
Water is important for thyme plants to grow, but the amount they need depends on where they are and the weather. In warm places, thyme needs up to 3 inches of water a week. In cool places, it only needs up to 1 inch a week. Plants that are grown in containers also need more water than those grown in the ground.
Sun exposure is essential for thyme to thrive. Thyme grows best in full sun exposure but can tolerate partial sun or light shade. Thyme should be planted somewhere that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to make sure it gets the right amount of sunlight.
Soil conditions are a critical factor in the growth of any plant. Thyme, like other plants in the mint family, requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6. 0 and 7. 5. The thyme seeds also need good fertility and adequate moisture to thrive. Thyme grows best in full sun or part shade but will do well in medium to wet soils.
The humidity level that thyme needs can change based on where it is grown, but a normal range is between 75 and 85 percent. Thyme should be kept dry and free from pests during storage, so a humidity-controlled environment is ideal.
Thyme: How to Grow & Use This Amazing Herb (COMPLETE GUIDE)
FAQ
What should not be planted near thyme?
What grows best with thyme?
Does thyme like to be crowded?
Where to plant thyme in a vegetable garden?
What does thyme need to grow?
Thyme can grow in the ground or in a container. Either is left outside in wintertime. New leaves will emerge within the early spring. Thyme thrives in full sun and loves heat. If you are growing in a pot indoors, plant near a sunny window. Soil needs to drain well so there aren’t “wet feet.”
How do you plant thyme?
Give your thyme a spot in full sun; it handles hot, dry conditions better than cool, damp soil. Thyme plants thrive best in full sunlight due to their Mediterranean origins. Plant them in a sunny, exposed spot in your garden, or in decorative planters that can be moved around throughout the day to chase the light.
What are the benefits of thyme?
Thyme contains chemicals that might help bacterial and fungal infections. It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects. People commonly use thyme for cough, patchy hair loss ( alopecia areata), dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.