Creeping thyme helps to conserve soil (also a common benefit of buying most any kind of ground cover). It is an excellent choice to plant on slopes especially because it limits soil erosion and water loss. It also serves as an insulator for the ground because it keeps the soil warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
What are the benefits of growing thyme?
Thyme’s little flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects including native pollinators, honeybees, and predatory wasps. Thyme makes an excellent companion plant. It can be planted in with cabbage, potatoes, eggplant, and strawberries. It’s thought that it repels cabbage worms, flea beetles, and tomato hornworms.
Where does creeping thyme grow best?
Creeping thyme plants grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade.
Is thyme good for a lawn?
Thyme is an ideal grass alternative. It requires less water, is generally tough (see “walking on thyme” below), drought resistant, hardy all the way north to zone 4 if it’s healthy, and will spread easily to fill in most of the space that you want it to.
Is thyme good for pests?
Thyme. Thyme is an herb you can rely on when insects are bothering your home. The herb deters mosquitoes, earworm, maggot, hornworm, and whiteflies. You can plant thyme in your garden easily as it can become accustomed to dry and shallow soil.
Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?
Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.
Does creeping thyme attract bugs?
Creeping thyme attracts aphids as well as spider mites. Aphids always gather at the tender stems and leaves of plants and are visible to the naked eye. These can be removed using a strong, fine water spray or through spraying with an insecticidal soap.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Creeping Thyme
Not only will this groundcover help choke out weeds, but it will also provide colorful interest and a delectable fragrance to your garden.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
“The creeping thyme does well as a dog-friendly ground cover. Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”
What does creeping thyme attract?
Often called the “mother of thyme,” creeping thyme thrives in full sun. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators—particularly bees and butterflies—and the mint-like flavor of its dark green leaves makes it deer-resistant.
Is creeping thyme better than grass?
A creeping thyme lawn is drought-resistant and requires less water than traditional turf grasses. Would you believe it’s possible to have a good-looking, thick, soft ground cover that also saves on water? If you’re looking for a practical reason to switch to a creeping thyme lawn, this is it.
What happens if you mow over creeping thyme?
Mowing creeping thyme too closely results in a sparse ground cover that may let weeds invade the garden bed.
Can you walk barefoot on creeping thyme?
A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon, and will rapidly spread to fill in a space. As an added bonus, thyme blooms in a long-lasting profusion of lavender hued flowers.
Do ants like creeping thyme?
Believe it or not, thyme can also deter ants from entering the soil. It is because the ant repellent plant contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. One unique feature over other plants and herbs is its ability to grow without needing too much sunlight.
Does thyme repel spiders?
Several herb plants, such as mint, chives, basil, thyme, and more, can get rid of spiders. You can also dry them for cooking later on or for putting in sachets so that you can place them in various locations in your house.
Does thyme deter ants?
Some of the most common outdoor plants that repel ants are peppermint, rosemary, thyme, lavender, tansy, pennyroyal, the common yarrow, and garlic. These, of course, aren’t the only plants that help keep ants away. There are others, as well (e.g., catnip, sage).
How far will creeping thyme spread?
Plants grow to a mature height of just one to two inches tall and a spread of 12 to 18 inches.
What plant keeps mice away?
Plants and herbs known to keep mice and other rodents away include:
- Marigolds.
- Garlic.
- Daffodils.
- Black pepper.
- Rosemary.
- Lavender.
- Onions.
- tomatoes.
When should you plant creeping thyme?
Planting instructions
Creeping thyme does best in an area that gets about four hours of sun a day. Planting should be done in late spring or early summer, after the fear of frost has passed. This will allow the roots to establish themselves through the growing season.
Does creeping thyme repel animals?
Tolerant of full sun and easy to maintain, creeping thyme has a strong scent that makes it the perfect groundcover to deter deer.
Does red creeping thyme attract snakes?
Because it is short and close to the ground, snails, slugs, and, on occasion, snakes will hunker down into your thyme. This is very undesirable since snails and slugs especially will probably try to make their way into the rest of your garden.