Guest post blog by Katrina & Clayton
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a hardy herb that thrives in various climates, including Scotland’s cool and often damp conditions. Its versatility, culinary uses, and ability to attract pollinators make thyme a staple in many gardens.
Growing Thyme in Scotland
Thyme is a resilient perennial herb that can adapt well to Scotland’s climate when provided with proper care.
Climate Adaptation: Thyme prefers a sunny location, which can be challenging in Scotland’s often overcast conditions. However, as a Mediterranean herb, thyme tolerates dry soil and moderate frost, making it well suited for sheltered gardens and south facing walls.
Growth Habits: Thyme is a low growing shrub that spreads outward. It can be used as ground cover, in rock gardens, or along pathways for a fragrant and functional addition to your garden.
Varieties for Scotland
Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): A robust variety ideal for culinary use.
Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus): Features a citrusy aroma and flavour, perfect for cooking or adding to your tea.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A low-growing variety suited for ground cover.
Edible Parts of Thyme
The leaves are the primary edible part and are used fresh or dried in culinary dishes. Thyme is a staple in soups, stews, marinades, and roasted vegetables, imparting a warm, earthy flavour.
The Flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish in salads, cocktails, or desserts. Thyme leaves and flowers are often brewed into herbal teas for their soothing properties, particularly for respiratory ailments.
Planting Thyme
Plant thyme in late spring after the last frost for the best establishment. It can also be planted in early autumn, but ensure the roots are well established before winter sets in.
Choose the Right Location: Thyme requires full sun. Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well draining, as thyme is prone to root rot in wet conditions. Incorporate sand or gravel to improve drainage if the soil is heavy.
Spacing: Space thyme plants 20-30 cm apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Planting Method:
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water lightly. Caledonian Green Goodness is ideal for backfilling and adding nutrients.
Pruning Thyme
Pruning thyme is essential for maintaining its shape, encouraging new growth, and preventing woody stems.
When to Prune
Lightly prune thyme throughout the growing season to harvest leaves.
Perform a more substantial pruning in early spring or after flowering in late summer.
Remove dead or damaged stems to improve the plant’s appearance and health. Trim back about one-third of the plant to encourage bushier growth. Avoid cutting into woody stems, as thyme struggles to regenerate from old wood.
Care for Thyme
Thyme is a low maintenance herb, but a few essential practices ensure its health and productivity.
Watering
Thyme is drought tolerant and prefers slightly dry soil. Water only when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, particularly in Scotland’s wetter months, as thyme is susceptible to root rot.
Winter Protection
Thyme is hardy but can benefit from some winter protection in Scotland. Mulch around the base of the plant with straw, cardboard or compost to insulate the roots during severe frosts.
Companion Planting for Thyme
Thyme’s aromatic properties make it an excellent companion plant that deters pests and supports neighboring plants.
Good Companions:
Cabbages and Broccoli: Thyme repels cabbage moths and whiteflies.
Tomatoes: It attracts pollinators and improves tomato flavor.
Strawberries: Thyme discourages fungal diseases that commonly affect strawberries.
Lavender and Sage: These Mediterranean herbs share similar soil and light requirements, creating a harmonious herb garden.
Bad Companions:
Avoid planting thyme near moisture loving plants like basil or mint, as their differing water needs can lead to imbalances.
Drying Thyme
Drying thyme is an excellent way to preserve its flavour and aroma for long term use. Start by harvesting thyme in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun gets too hot. Choose stems with fresh, vibrant leaves and no signs of disease or pests. Gently wash the thyme under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry with a clean towel.
To air dry thyme, bundle 5-10 stems together, securing them with a string or rubber band. Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This process can take 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity levels.
For quicker results, use a dehydrator set to a low temperature (35-40°C) or spread thyme sprigs on a baking sheet in an oven at its lowest setting. Check frequently to prevent over drying, as the leaves should remain green and brittle.
Once dried, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dried and stored thyme retains its potency for up to a year, making it a convenient addition to soups, stews, and marinades year round.
Best Soil for Thyme
Thyme thrives in well drained, moderately fertile soil that mimics its native Mediterranean environment.
Drainage: Well draining soil is crucial. Thyme does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal for thyme. Thyme prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-8.0).
Amend heavy clay soils with sand, grit, or organic matter to improve drainage and texture. Conduct a soil pH test and add lime if the soil is too acidic.
Avoid adding excessive organic matter or fertilisers, as thyme thrives in lean soils. Regularly check for compaction and aerate the soil around the plant as needed.
Thyme is an excellent herb for the Scottish climate, offering culinary, medicinal, and ornamental benefits. Its resilience to drought and frost, low maintenance needs, and compatibility with other plants make it a valuable addition to any garden. With proper planting, pruning, and care, thyme will thrive in Scotland’s conditions, providing fragrant leaves and flowers year after year.
Katrina & Clayton
Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.
Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.
They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine. Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.
See more and follow Katrina & Clayton at the links below:
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