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.
Does creeping thyme choke out other plants?
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme spreads by sending runners underground that choke out other plants, including weeds. It has a maximum growth height of about four inches, which is considered the ideal height for lawns, and beautiful pink, purple or blue flowers.
What is the best ground cover to stop weeds?
Mondo Grass is one of the best ground covers that kills weeds because it has a vigorous growth habit and spreads easily. Growing across the United States in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, this dwarf shrub prefers full shade to part shade for best results.
What can I plant to smother weeds?
Plants like hosta and coral bells can be tucked into small areas around trees and shrubs to control weeds.
Dense Planting for Weed Control
- Stonecrop.
- Hens and chicks.
- Catmint.
- Yarrow.
- Calamintha.
- Artemisia.
- Mint.
- Coreopsis.
Will creeping thyme spread over grass?
It’s creeping, which means it will spread and fill in your lawn when left to its own devices. Creeping thyme is also drought-resistant, so your yard will keep plugging along if you get long stretches without any rain. It takes much less water to establish and continue to grow thyme.
How long does it take creeping thyme to spread?
Generally, creeping thyme takes one year to get established, and then begins to spread in its second season. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.) All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground’s surface to periodically grow leaves and roots.
Is creeping thyme considered invasive?
So, let’s cut the chase — is creeping thyme really invasive? The answer is no; though it will spread fast in a garden, it won’t bother the other plants. Therefore, if you are looking for an attractive ground cover that smells nice and is also deer and rabbit resistant, you should definitely consider creeping thyme!
How do you permanently stop weeds from growing?
Using Bleach to Kill Weeds Permanently
Apply one cup of bleach, undiluted, to the afflicted area. Wait until the weeds turn brown before pulling them out of the ground. Run water around the area to flush the bleach, especially if you are trying to grow plants or grass in that area.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
Depending on your location, creeping thyme will either remain evergreen or it will lose its leaves and some stems will die over the winter. You don’t need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter.
What can I cover my garden with to stop weeds?
Mulch Your Beds
An effective and natural option to prevent weeds from taking over your garden is through the use of mulch. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch approximately 2 inches deep in the garden area – take care to avoid the base of individual plants and shrubs.
Will ground cover keep weeds from growing?
Ground covers stretch across the soil like a living mulch, providing many of the same benefits as regular mulch. Once established, they help deter germination of new weed seeds and prevent old weeds from returning by crowding them out.
Is there a grass that will choke out weeds?
Zoysia is ideal because it actually grows differently. It sends out runners or “stolons,” expanding sideways more than it grows tall. This is why it is so dense and effective at choking out most summer weeds and replacing existing grass.
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.
How far apart should you plant creeping thyme?
Spacing: Plant creeping thyme seeds one inch apart. Once seedlings form, transfer the new plants to their final spot, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. 5. Sunlight: Creeping thyme thrives in full sun, though it can also do well in partial shade.
Do you have to mow creeping thyme?
The plant is considered a woody perennial, but the woody portion is comfortable to stand on and doesn’t affect your lawn mower if you do choose to mow it. Some gardeners opt for giving their creeping thyme lawn an occasional once-over with the mower to encourage the herb to spread.
How do you encourage creeping thyme to spread?
Small leaves across the stem segments need a full sunlight location to adequately photosynthesize. Creeping thyme relies on this energy production for spreading speed and successful flowering. If you have a shady area, such as from an overgrown tree, creeping thyme responds with poor flowering and reduced spreading.
How many creeping thyme seeds do I need per square foot?
Thyme seed is very, very small so the amount of area you can sow really depends on your sowing method. For planting a 1” space between pavers, we would recommend one packet per 6-10 feet.
Will creeping thyme grow through mulch?
While winter hardy, the short answer is no. It grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, though it may tolerate hot summers in zone 9 as well. Although you wouldn’t plant creeping thyme with mulch, you can use mulch in the wintertime to prevent frost or freeze damage.
How do you keep weeds out of creeping thyme?
After planting and initial weeding, place mulch, such as gravel or light organic material around the plants to further deter weeds. Be careful not to apply dense mulch that inhibits water drainage. Once your thyme plants have started growing, the space in between plants will fill in, and that will smother most weeds.
Is creeping thyme aggressive?
Though it creeps and grows fast, we can be confident to conclude that creeping thyme is not invasive. It is only a fast grower with a beautiful view and soft leaves to walk on.
Will thyme take over my garden?
Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.