Have you ever wondered why thyme is one of the most popular herbs to grow in the garden? Well, I’ve got you covered.
The thyme plant is one of the most popular culinary herbs and is one of the essential ingredients in any chef’s pantry.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating fresh, homegrown thyme, you know that it’s one of the most fragrant, delicious, and versatile herbs available. Thyme has a wide range of therapeutic benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
This post will take you through the basics of growing thyme and give you some background on how it has been used throughout history. We’ll also touch on the health benefits and popular culinary uses of this delicious and nutritious herb.
It’s a great herb to add to your outdoor garden or grow indoors throughout the winter months.
What Is Thyme?
Thyme is a low-growing, perennial herb with a beautiful aroma and taste that you can use in a wide range of recipes. It is also a powerful healing herb with numerous health benefits.
The culinary herb thyme, also known as garden thyme, is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, but it is now grown worldwide. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, and its history dates back to the ancient Greeks, who used it as a perfume in the home and bath.
Today, it is still a popular ingredient in cooking and one of the most popular herbs to grow in the garden.
Varieties of Thyme
There are many different types of thyme plants. The most widely used variety is Thymus Vulgaris, also called garden or common thyme. Additional varieties include French Thyme, lemon thyme, and creeping thyme. All of these varieties have unique uses and benefits.
For example, lemon thyme is best used for cooking dishes that have a sweet or citrus flavor.
Growing Common Thyme Plants in the Garden
Thyme is easy to grow from seed, and you can plant it in almost any garden, even in soil that contains clay. You can either plant seeds directly in the ground or begin with starter plants from the nursery. The only requirement is a well-drained area with plenty of sunlight.
Thyme plants require full sun in the garden and do best with six or more hours of sunlight. It is a perennial, low-growing, shrubby herb that reaches a height of between 6 and 12 inches.
The leaves on the thyme plant are small and narrow on tough stems. In the spring, thyme has abundant blooms in various shades of white, pink, lavender, or purple.
Companion Planting with Thyme
Thyme makes an excellent companion plant in the vegetable garden, as its flowers attract a wide range of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and many other insects will flock to your thyme plants when they are in full bloom.
It also has insect-repelling properties and will deter cabbage moths. This makes thyme a perfect companion for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale that can otherwise become targets of this garden pest.
See Companion Planting With Thyme to find all the other ways growing thyme can improve the health of other garden plants.
Growing Thyme in Pots
Due to its compact nature, thyme is a natural for the container garden. You can grow it in its own pot or combine it with other Mediterranean herbs such as Rosemary, Sage, and Basil.
Growing Thyme Indoors
Thyme is an easy herb to grow indoors. Its woody stems and low watering needs make it a low-maintenance addition to the kitchen garden. Thyme requires full sun to thrive, so be sure to give it a bright, south-facing window or supplemental light.
Propagation: Starting New Plants
You can start new plants from seed, cuttings, layering, or root division.
Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is known to have a wide range of medicinal benefits. The leaves have a strong flavor and are used in teas, oils, and other herbal remedies.
Whether you are cooking, making tea, or using it directly as a medicine, this herb is a good source of vitamins C and A. It also contains healthy amounts of copper, iron, manganese, and is a rich source of fiber.
The more common herbal remedies using thyme include improving digestion, relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, and increasing energy.
The oil in thyme has been shown to be effective against bacterial infections, making it a great herb for treating colds and the flu. You can use it in various forms, such as teas, ointments, or salves.
Thyme: Its Origin and Uses in History
Many cultures have used the thyme plant for culinary, medicinal, and religious purposes.
- The ancient Egyptians used it in the embalming process for their mummification.
- The ancient Greeks used thyme to scent their baths and freshen their homes as incense.
- The Romans were the ones who introduced thyme to our palates. Due to its beautiful aroma and flavor, it was added as a flavoring for cheese and liqueurs.
- The Romans then introduced it to Europe, where it was used for food preservation and flavoring dishes.
To this day, thyme is used in a wide range of dishes, including game, fish, poultry, and eggs. In addition, it is used to flavor sauces, soups, and stews.
Cooking With The Herb Thyme
Thyme is part of the mint genus and is a cousin of oregano. No wonder they complement each other so well when combined.
In Mediterranean dishes, thyme is one of the most important herbs. It blends beautifully with the traditional ingredients of the region, such as tomato, garlic, and olives, used throughout the recipes. Thyme gives soups and stews a savory, rich flavor that enhances the taste of beef, lamb, and other strong game meats.
Other culinary uses of thyme include adding flavor to vegetables, eggs, and creamy sauces such as the Bearnaise sauce. It is a very versatile herb and can be used fresh or dried.
Healthy Benefits of Thyme
Not only is Thyme a delicious herb commonly used in cooking, but it has also been used as a medicine for thousands of years.
Whether you are cooking with thyme, making a tea or using it directly as a medicine, this herb is a great source of vitamin C and A it is also contains healthy amounts of copper, iron manganese and a rich source of fiber.
It is such a comfort and pleasure knowing that what we are putting into our food is making us happy and healthy in so many ways.
Understanding the value of this herb to our bodies, we want to have this savory herb in our gardens, planters, as well as our spice and herbal tea racks at all times.
The best way to keep thyme around all the time is to produce our own. It will always be accessible and always be fresh. Why not grow our own?
Summary
Thyme is a hardy, perennial herb that is easy to grow and a favorite to include in our food gardens. Its hardy and pest-resistant nature makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Not only is it a good companion plant, but it also offers numerous health benefits, ranging from tummy-settling teas to thyme-infused oils. This versatile herb will adapt well to any garden style and deserves a starring role in the home herb garden.