Growing Thyme

GROW YOUR OWN THYME

Thyme is a versatile herb that enhances everything from stuffing's to soups and stews to omelettes and scrambled eggs. Thyme's are perennial herbs with very small leaves and tiny flowers ranging in color from white through pink to deep rose-magenta. Outside, the bees love the flowers of this attractive low-growing plant. Thyme comes in a range of different shapes, sizes and colours. The flavour and uses vary too. It is a hardy perennial that will withstand the driest and coldest of conditions. It is a must for all edible gardens. Thyme is suitable for growing in a pot, as well as in the ground. Keep a pot on the windowsill for use throughout the winter, when the outdoor plants are dormant.

Varieties of Thyme

• More varieties are available as plants than from seed; some are frost hardy and evergreen, others more tender.
• As well as common thyme, there is a lemon thyme and various other scents, including camphor thyme, alpine (or basil) thyme and orange.

How To Grow

• Thyme can be grown from seed, but It's hard to grow thyme from seeds because of slow, uneven germination. It's easier to buy the plants or take some cuttings from a friend.
• Thyme likes a light, well-drained soil. It also prefers a heavy lime, so be sure to till plenty into your soil before planting. 
• Thyme grows best in full sun and is great for rock gardens, so keep this in mind when planning the placement of this herb.
• If growing from seed, sow from later winter–early summer in a small pot. Cover with a polythene bag, secured with an elastic band to retain the moisture and keep at around 18ºC.
• Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8 cm (3 inch) pots and then into larger pots or the ground.
• If cultivating from small plant in a pot, transplant at any time of the year.
• Feed monthly with a general purpose liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
• The plants get woody after three years or so – remove from their pots, or dig up and divide the roots for new plants.

Care While Growing

• Thyme needs plenty of moisture and doesn't like competition, so be sure to water your plants well and keep the bed free of weeds. 
• Cut the plants back a little before the winter, then cut the shrubs back quite a bit the following spring to encourage new growth. 
• Some varieties, such as lemon thyme, should be protected during the cold winter months with straw or leaves.

Harvesting And Storage

• Throughout the summer, leaves and sprigs can be harvested at any time.
• To dry the sprigs, hang them in a dark, well-ventilated, warm area. You can also just dry the leaves by placing them on a tray. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
• Freezing is another method of storage.
• One of the essential oils in thyme is thymol, still used by pharmacists, especially in cough remedies. Thyme is antiseptic, as well as an aid to digestion. 
• In the kitchen, thyme is a wonderful addition to pasta and pizza sauces, salad dressings, stews, stuffing's  meat loaf, and soups, and is especially good with poultry, fish, and eggs.

Few Health Benefits Of Thyme

• Great Source Of Iron- Thyme is a great source of iron, providing nearly 20% of the recommended daily allowance for an adult in only 2,8 grams. Iron is essential for energy production and iron deficiency may cause anaemia, fatigue and make the body more susceptible to infection.
• Skin Health- A study at Leeds Metropolitan University in England found that thyme was effective at fighting the bacteria that causes skin acne. Herbs like thyme are thought to be gentler on the skin than other products because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Breathe Easy- Thyme helps to improve respiratory health and has been used for centuries to treat chest and respiratory conditions like coughs and bronchitis. Try making your own thyme tea by steeping a few leaves in hot water and allowing to brew. Drink the tea to help treat respiratory conditions and a cold.
• A Healthy Heart- The antioxidant protection of thyme combined with its anti-inflammatory effects help to prevent cardiovascular disease as chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of heart disease.

Mushroom And Thyme Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 8 ounces mushrooms (quartered)
• 1 tablespoon dried Thyme powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup farro (cook as directed)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or walnut oil)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme (chopped)

Directions:

• Heat the oil and melt the butter in a pan.
• Add the onions and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
• Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper and saute until the mushrooms are just starting to caramelize, about 10-14 minutes.
• Place the mushrooms, farro, feta and walnuts in a large bowl.
• Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
• Garnish with the thyme.