Creeping Thyme

Sow seeds either indoors, in a greenhouse, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds typically germinate within seven to 21 days at 65 to 70°F.

For growing indoors, sow seeds in organic potting soil, either in trays or two-inch containers. Sprinkle seeds on top of the soil or covered lightly to a depth of 1/16 of an inch at most, and maintain consistent moisture for germination.

Thin to two to three seedlings per container. After the seedlings have established roots and grown to an inch or two in height, they may then be moved outside.

You can acclimate the plants by moving them outside during the day and keeping them inside at night, increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors by about an hour or so each day.

Hardening them off in this way allows the seedlings to get used to their new environment and reduces the risk of shock when they are planted outside.

For outdoor seed sowing, first prepare the planting area. Remove weeds and rake out any thick clumps of soil.

Scatter the seeds across the designated site and press them firmly into the soil, or plant two to three seeds 12 to 18 inches apart in staggered rows. Plant seeds no deeper than 1/16 of an inch.

Make sure to give them a good watering after broadcasting seeds so they don’t get whisked away by the wind, or a curious critter.

The most important (and most challenging) thing to remember with direct seeding is keep the planting area consistently moist.

Maintain regular watering after sprouts start shooting up and incrementally ease up on watering as the plants mature.