What are the disadvantages of creeping thyme lawns?
Disadvantages of creeping thyme lawns A creeping thyme lawn doesn’t cope with wear and tear, only tolerating light foot traffic, so a stepping stone path through a thyme lawn would be needed for regular use. While not native to North America, wild creeping thyme is well adapted to many climates without becoming invasive. This small, colorful wildflower does not compete well with taller, faster-growing vegetation, but it can grow and persist nicely within mowed lawns or as a ground cover in gravel areas and rock gardens.As its name implies, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) will creep along your landscape and prevent weeds from popping up. Creeping thyme is evergreen in mild winters and blooms profusely from early to mid-summer, says Keri Wilson horticulturist for Garden Media Group.Creeping thyme lawns are drought-resistant and require less watering than traditional grass lawns. Creeping thyme lawns don’t require mowing, but bushy types may be mowed once a year. Becomes a carpet of attractive lavender and pink flowers that last into the season.This plant prefers soil that is slightly alkaline and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Water your creeping thyme sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch. To encourage bushier growth, prune your creeping thyme after blooming. This will also help to prevent the plant from becoming too woody.Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a species of thyme in the Lamiaceae family. It branches horizontally to hug the ground rather than growing upright like culinary thyme. Creeping thyme is a woody perennial herb that’s edible and does a great job of protecting soil.
What is creeping thyme good for?
Because of its ability to withstand moderate foot traffic, creeping thyme can also be used as an easy-care lawn substitute, especially on sunny hillsides and slopes. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require much less water than traditional turf grass, it also spreads quickly to fill in bare spots. Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.Thyme is drought tolerant and rarely needs watering, except when newly planted or when growing in containers in hot, dry weather. Too much water is more likely to be a problem – the roots will rot in damp conditions, especially in winter, so be sure to choose a planting spot with free-draining soil.The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them. Monitor for pests and diseases.Creeping thyme is relatively disease-resistant, but root rot can be a common issue. Root rot can occur when overwatered or planted in poorly drained areas, says Abdi.
Will creeping thyme choke out other weeds?
Creeping thyme is a woody perennial ground cover. LIMITATIONS: Creeping thyme offers some moderate weed suppression. It’s easy to grow creeping thyme herb from seed. Start by sowing the seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Scatter over a seed-starting mix, lightly pressing into the surface as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep the mix consistently moist and provide plenty of light.Plant a thyme lawn in spring. First check that your site and soil is suitable for a creeping thyme lawn. Creeping thyme needs full sun and well-drained soil – it simply won’t thrive in heavy, poorly drained soil. Additionally, the soil should have a neutral to alkaline pH and be moderately fertile.When to Plant Creeping Thyme. Transplant creeping thyme in spring, shortly after your last frost date. While it enjoys warm, sunny weather, it will establish quicker in the cooler spring temps. If you start thyme seeds indoors, do so 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date.Where to Plant Creeping Thyme. Creeping Thyme prefers sun and good drainage. It is not a good choice for wet or heavily shaded areas. Sun: Aim for full sun (6+ hours/day) for best flowering and a tight, low habit.
How many years does creeping thyme last?
Any branches that root themselves will continue to live another 3-5 years. So creeping thyme will always end up patchy. Always best to plant many different species for lawn replacement , not just one. Herbs with the same growing requirements, such as oregano, lavender and sage, however, are excellent companions to thyme. However, plants that have dissimilar growing requirements are not a good idea to plant together. Don’t grow thyme near plants that require lots of water and consistently moist soil.Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil.Easy to grow, thyme needs little care except for a regular light pruning after the first year. Do this after the last spring frost, so that the plants do not get woody and brittle.Chives, cilantro, and basil are not ideal companion plants for thyme because they have different growing requirements and may compete for the same nutrients in the soil.
Can you just sprinkle creeping thyme?
Sprinkling seed of creeping thyme on the ground is rarely successful, although raising plants from seed in pots or trays under cover is a good way to produce a large quantity of plants. Thyme grows very slowly from seed and after planting, germination can take up to 28 days. Because of this, it is usually grown from divisions or cuttings. If planting from seed, begin thyme indoors and scatter the seeds on top of the soil and do not cover them or only cover them lightly.Fresh thyme should be stored in the refrigerator, in either its original packaging or in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag to preserve freshness. Thyme should remain good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. Thyme may also be frozen.
How long does it take for creeping thyme to spread?
Creeping Thyme spreads gradually and typically takes one to two growing seasons to form a dense mat, depending on growing conditions, spacing, and climate. Regular watering during establishment can speed up growth. Prune back creeping thyme stems in the early spring to prepare the plant for the growing season ahead. Prune again after the flowers die back, usually by the end of summer. In late fall, after the first frost, prune the leggiest, woodiest stems by half. This pruning encourages vigorous, young growth in the spring.