Ornamental Gardens
put back your hungry , high - maintenance turf grass with an herbaceous , low - growing lawn that offer a range of bionomical benefit . In this article , horticulturist and former constituent James Leonard Farmer Logan Hailey explain how to quickly establish a creep thyme lawn in 6 simple step .
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If you ’re tired of constantly cut down , watering , and spraying your lawn , a creeping thyme lawn is an eco - favorable , low - maintenance , and delightfully fragrant alternative . Creeping thyme is an aromatic ground cover song relate to the Mediterranean kitchen herbaceous plant we all adore . It thirstily colonizes any sunny pace , make a cushiony lawn that of course out - competes weed .
As a Mary Jane replacement , this quick - circularize herbgrows down to the priming coat , shape a thick carpet of greenery . The tiny drear - fleeceable leaves offer a dazzling display all summer long , and if you do n’t mop , it produces bee - magnetize fuchsia flowers throughout the summertime .
Best of all , this ground cover is tough , drouth tolerant , and remarkably low maintenance . But before you rip out your grass , rent ’s dig into astep - by - stone’s throw guide on how to grow a cower thyme lawnthe correct elbow room .
Does Creeping Thyme Make a Good Lawn?
This is one of thebest lawn alternativesbecause it isincredibly drought - tolerant and low - maintenance . The beautiful herbaceous plant remains light-green all summer , even when neighboringturfgrass has turn brown and dormant .
This low - growing perennial groundcover does n’t demand regular mowing or fertilizer . Its vigorous growth chokes out weed , so no herbicides or weeding are necessary .
Benefits
When you put creeping thyme read/write head - to - head withhigh - maintenance turfgrass , this humble herb wins in almost every class except price . This case of lawn is …
Once established , this Mediterranean herbtolerates and even enjoys dry soil . It can often survive on natural rainfall except during the hottest , driest months . Even then , it requires minimum subsidiary watering during raging conditions compared to a traditional locoweed lawn .
This lawn alternative need less mop , irrigating , spraying , and fertilise than turfgrass . Itgrows smartly without much helper , so you’re able to lay back by the pool or savour your pet summer hobby while have sex your yard is still light-green .
The bluish - green leaves and vibrant majestic or pink prime add decorative value to your landscape . With its luxuriant textured foliation , thymecan be cut low for a manicured lookor originate up in a bungalow garden style .
Some like the smell of sweet - cut locoweed , but the delectable odor of thyme , when crushed or walked upon , isfar more romantic .
Thyme is a hardy perennial inUSDA zone 4 - 9 , but it may need some winter mulch in harsh frigid climates .
When moist , thyme tolerate quite a minute of walk and feel dainty beneath your bare groundwork .
This tight - growing herbchokes out dope and prevents unwanted plantsfrom conduct delay in your yard , meaning no weed killer or mitt - weeding is usually necessary .
If you waive mowing and allow your thyme lawn to flower , bees and butterflies go wildfor the gorgeous purple bloom . you could relish the peach of aboriginal louse and glean the welfare of pollination for your nearby veggie garden .
The unassailable smell of thyme makes it a popularcompanion plantfor many edible and ornamental crop . uprise it near your gardenscan help deter pests like aphid , fly , and mosquitoes .
If your lawn used to be a dinner party buffet for neighbour deer , you ’ll be happy to know that these forest herbivoresstrongly dislike the smell and predilection of thyme .
While a standard lawn mayrequire mow every 1 - 2 weeks , thyme can go a month or even all summer without being mop . The flora of course turn just 2 - 3 inches tall . For a more manicured look , you’re able to mop every 3 - 4 week , but your yard will still look swell if you do n’t have time to zigzag up the mower .
Thyme is alight - feeding plantthat does not call for regular fertiliser . Too much nitrogen can cause leggy or weak plants . Compost and a fountain program program of slow - loss fertilizer are usually plenty to keep your new lawn happy .
What Are The Downsides?
No plant is gross , so you may marvel what the catch is . A thyme lawn ismore expensive than turf , and it may take more labor to prep the land and get it established . The drawback include …
The semen isfairly expensive compare to grass . Growing from plug ( seedling ) is not very cost - efficacious unless your yard is very small . You need a deal of seeds to establish a with child area . surface soil or compost is helpful when sow .
This ground cover is slow - growing in its first year andneeds some patience to get established . However , once anchored in the soil , the plants spread apace .
Converting a grass yard to a thyme lawn requires a fair amount of Department of Labor to get start . Fortunately , you only have to do it once , andmost of the work can be completed in one afternoon . We ’ll cover the item of getting started below !
You ca n’t repeatedly stomp all over thyme like you’re able to with smoke . This plant does better when it cangrow freely around pavers or stepping Stone . It has a heavy time recovering from heavy understructure dealings when dry .
If your kids or pet on a regular basis toy in the yard , you may need tokeep thyme mow so the heyday do n’t pull in too many bees . While bee are generally busybodied providing ecological benefits , they can sting when jump .
This herbenjoys semi - regular mowing or pruningand can become woody if it does n’t get turn off at least doubly yearly . As the plants long time , they may become lank or woody at the base . If you mow or cut back half of the plant ’s growth in the spring , it rejuvenates the foliation and keeps your lawn take care fresh .
2 - 3 age down the demarcation , even with steady mowing , you are probable to still have a few woody plants ; these may need to be removed & supervene upon with young plants to keep the lawn refreshing and foreshorten the woody ontogenesis habit .
How to Plant: 6 Simple Steps
crawl thyme iscold - intrepid in zones 4 - 9 . strike or spring are the dear times to establish this perennial lawn option . Young plants have a hard prison term inintense summertime heat .
If seeding in the fall , start out 6 - 8 weeks before your expected hard frost . In icy northern zones , tardy outpouring is more desirable for unassailable establishment .
1. Smother the Grass
Before you’re able to seed thyme , you ’ll need to transfer your lawn grass . This is the most labor - intensive step , but it willdramatically meliorate your thyme lawn success .
You have a few choice for smother or removing the turf . I highly commend mowing before you start . Put your lawn lawn mower on the small stage setting to hack the grass as unforesightful as possible .
layer of newspaper or composition board are aneasy constitutive way to smother the grass and weeds . pose the sheet out in an overlap fashion . If using a newspaper , quash the glossy magazine - expressive style pages . Break down boxes and insure all tape measure is removed from the composition board . Furniture storage are a great resource for big piece of paper of cardboard .
To preclude blowing aside , at once saturate the newspaper or cardboard with a hosepipe . Then shovel compost or topsoil over the top . you’re able to seed instantly or leave the paper to repress the grease for 1 - 2 weeks before planting . As a fillip , the sheet of paper mulching adds organic matter as it decomposes and attracts many good soil organisms like worms and fungi .
If you desire to get down to the native grunge immediately , use a shovel and rake to compass up the turf and remove it . Remove the full lump of sod and dispose of them in the trash or railway yard waste bin . you’re able to alsorent a sodomite cutter from your local hardware storeto make it easy to cut the grass into strips and roll them up .
For the least task - intensive method , try out eclipse or tarping . Use a large silage tarp that is unintelligible in vividness ( not see - through ) . Ideally , the tarp should be black or dark putting surface and marked for landscape painting or agrarian use . lie in your tarp over the sens for several weeks before seeding . procure the edge with sandbag , smooth rocks , or brick , and add together several weights in the center .
Leave the tarp in piazza for 2 - 3 calendar week to smother the grass . The lack of sunlight will kill any plants underneath , produce a clean planting airfoil for your thyme seed . If you have a peck of perennial weeds or strong-growing dope like witchgrass , you may want to lift the tarp each week , irrigate the domain , leave it off for a day to promote re - sprouting , and then cover the plants again . This assist play out the etymon vim of weedy perennials . you may repeat as many times as needed until the space is bare .
Although tilling is not good for soil wellness , a one - time tillage eventcan help oneself you get your thyme lawn established fast . you could rent a rototiller from most lawn and garden computer storage . Put it on a shoal to intermediate setting ( no need to till super deep ) and chop up the grass on a cheery Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . Leave the smoke clippings to decompose in topographic point . you could sow immediately or wait 2 - 3 days for the grassroots to fully die back in the sun .
2. Test Soil and Apply Compost
With your lawn ’s gage accessible , it ’s time to amend and train for seeding . Creeping thyme istolerant of a encompassing range of soil conditionsas long as they are well - drained . Like its Mediterranean cousins , rosemary and lilac , this plant is susceptible to base buncombe and really dislikes waterlogged soils .
Heavy clay will require more all-encompassing amendment . arenaceous loam or even gravelly and rocky soil is more suitable for a thyme lawn replacement .
A neutral to alkaline pHbetween 6.5 to 8.0is ideal for a thyme lawn . Test your soil withan at - habitation grime testbefore planting . Most turfgrass lawns are already at a suited pH , but if your filth is too acidulent , total bitter spar basswood , wood ash tree , baking soda water , or smash huitre shells to kindle the pH.
Compost is thesecret sauce to a rapid thyme lawn establishment . This herb is known to be very slow to commence , but if you give it a nice well - drained compost - full-bodied grease , the seeds germinate and take off much more well . Compost improves the grime structure , moisture retention , and fertility for a beautiful and long - endure herbal lawn .
Depending on the sizing of your railyard , you could dump memory board - corrupt bags of compost or have a truckload of compost cede to your property . call for the dump hand truck driver to pretermit the compost as close to the lawn as potential so you could easy wheelbarrow it around and rake it out smoothly .
A 1 - 2 ” thick stratum is idealistic , but deeper is fine . If you ca n’t find quality compost , surface soil is another option . The thick the upper layer , the quicker your thyme will drop anchor in . This also help kill any stay grass or weed underneath .
If the grease under your turfgrass is exceptionally compacted or heavy in remains , panoptic forking can importantly improve aeration and drainage . The long , sharp tine of this unique shaft help incorporate oxygen into lower dirt layer so microorganisms can create better soil structure . The holes extend more outer space for compost to ooze in so thyme roots can easily arrive at downward .
Broadforking is a bit of a workout , but youonly need to do it once to your yard . This ancient creature is very leisurely to habituate and is a great investiture for any gardener . Look up a YouTube telecasting in advance to get your proficiency right .
3. Choose Your Variety
Thyme comes in many varieties and cultivarsfor different taste and climate . All of these plants make a low - grow , dumb carpeting of aromatic leaves , but some are better suited for specific esthetics .
This dwarf variety is discover ‘ Elfin ’ for its lilliputian leaves and compact maturation , maxing out at a bare 1 - 3 inch magniloquent . consummate for anyone who hates mowing ! The flyspeck tubular flowers are bright pink and beloved by pollinators . The works forms a tight mat of leaves idealistic for large expanses of lawn and gap between rocks or pavers .
Arguably the most democratic groundcover change , this plant has halt that acquire horizontally . Once the stem touches the soil , it anchor in space and grows newfangled roots from the stem turn .
The attractive red flowersappear in late bounce and summer . The quickly - spreading habit tolerates large foot traffic and let loose a nice classic thyme spirit when walked on .
Thispleasantly silver - hue thymehas lovely little ringlet of leaves with a blurred grain . The vigorous stems root as they spread across the soil , never growing more than 2 ” tall . Its delicate show is nice for a partially shaded lawn or along pathways and rock garden border .
This nanus cushiony variety is redundant - short , sullen green , and magenta - flowered . It has lemon yellow - scented leaves that form dumb mats wherever allowed . This variety will dazzle passersbyif you want a show - stopping magenta - blanket lawn in the summer .
This bright green hybrid is jimmy for its vibrant color and citrus fruit - sweet leaves . The low - growing lustrelessness produces pastel pink flower in late spring . ‘ calcined lime ’ offer up a gorgeous lime - dark-green hue between rock pavers , but it absolutely despises plastered soil . Itgrows a bit taller than other varieties(up to 6 ” ) , so it require more mowing .
Purchase a thyme mix from a seed supplierfor a diverse patchwork display of middle - catching varieties . These often admit a combination of bloodless , pink , and purple - flowered varieties with slightly different foliage . Shake the base good to insure even distribution .
4. Sow the Seeds
unmediated seeding is the most economical option for organisation . instead , leverage flats of plugs or set forth your own seedling indoors . However , this can be significantly more expensive and prison term - consuming . Only graft if you have a diminished lawn !
Most lawn already have sprinkler in plaza , so you might as well directly seed the seeds and water them with the existing irrigation system .
Most residential lawn in the U.S. average5,000 to 10,000 square feet . To calculate the straightforward footage , mensurate the length and width , then multiply them . You do n’t involve to be radical - precise , but it helps to order the correct amount of source so you do n’t lead out .
The cosmopolitan sowing rate recommendation is ⅛ Ezra Loomis Pound of thyme source per 5,000 straightforward foot . A large lawn willrequire ¼ to ½ pounds of seed or more . When in doubt , order somewhat more seed than you cogitate you necessitate .
Sow seed 6 - 8 weeks before the first gloaming frost or1 - 2 weeks after the last outpouring freeze . The conditions should be cool but not too cold . Avoid seeding your thyme lawn in extra hot atmospheric condition .
Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and lightly press into the soil with your hands or foot . You do n’t desire to cover them with too much soil , orthey wo n’t have the energy to sprout from deep underground .
Sow approximately2 - 4 seminal fluid per square foot . If transplanting , plant healthy seedlings 8 - 12 ” apart . Again , there is no motivation for ultra - exact calculation here . Just make certain the seeds are evenly distributed across the territory control surface . If you want the lawn to fill up in quickly , sow more densely .
Broadcast ( scatter ) them by the handful or expend a hand - power seed spreader for more even coverage . If you accidentally shed too many seeds in one spot , do n’t worry ! you’re able to scan them out or allow them to grow extra slurred .
The average germination clip is 14 - 21 days . If you do n’t get any rainfall , your new lawn will needwater 1 - 3 times per weekduring the establishment period . The grunge should not dry out during germination .
5. Water Consistently
You must provide consistent wet during the establishment phase angle , which typically hold out 3 - 4 week . Check on the thyme every day and assure the soil does n’t dry out . This is the most urine your lawn will ever demand . But while doing this , you should also ensure the soil does n’t become soggy or waterlogged .
When thoroughly root , the plants become drouth - resistant and do n’t need virtually as much moisture . This usually starts happeningin workweek 3 or 4 . Once seedling come forth and take up filling out , ensure at least 6 ” between plants for optimal growth . If you have a giant G , crouching down and pruning every section is unnecessary . Just be certain there are n’t any loggerheaded areas where seedling are crammed against their neighbor .
You also need to remove any major weeds early on . When the thyme finishes spread , it will choke everything else out without government issue .
After the first calendar month , you’re able to prune back tearing to once every week or less if there is rain . The works will recount you if they are athirst by wilting slenderly or slowing growth . If you are overwatering or the land is n’t properly enfeeble , the plants may wrench yellow . In this vitrine , it could help to broad fork or expect until the filth dry and the plants are well set up .
6. Prune or Mow 1-3 Times Per Season
lastly , the easy part ! After all the work of establishing your raw lawn , you’re able to sit back and relax until it grow to several inches tall . These yards only require mowing or pruning a few times per year . Do n’t start mowing until the plantsreach 2 - 3 ” improbable and appear lush and healthy . If you seed in declivity , you wo n’t need to do anything until the following saltation .
Set your lawn lawn mower on a high setting for a more manicured lawn to avoid cutting the thyme too short . Mow once in the spring and again in the summer if the plants grow chop-chop . This will create the most dense , padded carpet of glossy bluish - green leaves .
If you want to enjoy the vibrant thyme flowers , mow in the former leap and quash mop again until the end of summer when the blossom begin fade . Fall mowing can help prevent woody maturation the following year . After that , this flora will take charge of itself for year to hail !
This herb last for 3 - 5 years but eagerly ego - sow , so the lawn can thrive for ten years or more ! It typically does n’t require any major maintenance once established .
Final Thoughts
An alternate lawn is an incredible choice for eco - friendly landscaper and gardeners who need to spend less meter weeding , watering , and cut down eatage . sneak thyme has the advantage of being drought - large-minded , fragrant , and pesterer - deterrent . It is of course low - growing , so you only need to mow once or twice a year .
The key to establishment isproperly strangle Gunter Wilhelm Grass and compost program . I recommend lay newspaper , embrace it with compost , all-inclusive ramification , and spread the germ about eight weeks before your await fall frost . Maintain continuous moisture for the first month , and watch your thyme fill in throughout autumn and winter . The lawn can take up to one yr to make its full resplendency , but you should have a nice shock of herbaceous growing by the undermentioned spring .
