Growing an outdoor herb garden is a rewarding way to produce healthy additions to your diet. Like any garden project, watering is very important. Knowing how to water herbs will help to improve the health of your plants, as well as their yield.
Watering herbs outdoors is not as complicated as you might think. Weve put together a little guide that will help you manage the process, and you may even learn something new about the watering requirements of individual herbs. Heres what you need to know.
As an avid gardener, I often get asked how frequently thyme plants need to be watered. Thyme is a versatile culinary herb that adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor to many dishes. However, proper watering is crucial for growing healthy thyme with the best flavor.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about watering thyme plants whether you’re growing them indoors or outdoors.
An Overview of Thyme’s Water Requirements
The most important thing to understand about watering thyme is that overwatering causes more problems than underwatering, Thyme is naturally drought-resistant and doesn’t require frequent watering Here are some key points
- Thyme prefers dry conditions and excellent drainage. Wet soil leads to root rot.
- Established thyme plants only need watering every 10-15 days, allowing the soil to dry out in between.
- Thyme planted in containers may need more frequent watering as the soil dries out faster. Check soil regularly.
- New thyme seedlings need more constant moisture to establish roots. Water more frequently.
- Hot, dry weather causes thyme to need more frequent watering. Adjust as conditions change.
- Thyme can withstand short periods of drought due to its Mediterranean origins.
How to Tell When Thyme Needs Watering
It’s better to check soil moisture than water thyme on a fixed schedule. Here’s how to tell when it’s time:
- Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If dry 2 inches down, it’s time to water.
- Pick up the pot and feel its weight – much lighter means drier soil.
- Leaves may droop slightly when underwatered. But be sure drooping isn’t from overwatering.
- Slow new growth can indicate thyme needs more frequent watering.
- In very hot weather, check soil every 2-3 days and water when dry 1 inch deep.
- Learn your plants’ signs for underwatering and overwatering.
Watering Frequency for Indoor vs. Outdoor Thyme
Caring for indoor and outdoor thyme has some differences:
- Outdoor thyme may need more watering with full sun and heat.
- Indoor thyme should be kept evenly moist but not wet as air is drier.
- Container thyme outdoors dries out faster than in-ground and needs more watering.
- Check soil moisture rather than watering on a fixed schedule.
- Add enough water so it drains from the pot’s bottom holes when watering containers.
- Prevent fungal issues indoors with pots that drain well and only water when partly dry.
How Much Water Does Thyme Need?
When watering thyme, soak the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out before watering again:
- For potted thyme, add enough water so it drains freely from the pot’s bottom.
- For in-ground thyme, soak the soil around plants to a 6-8 inch depth.
- For the first year, water new plants 1-2 times per week if soil gets dry.
- Mature thyme only needs a thorough soaking every 10-15 days.
- In very hot weather, established thyme may need watering every 5-7 days.
- After watering, wait until the soil is partly dry 1-2 inches down before adding more.
Step-By-Step Watering Guide
Follow these steps when watering thyme:
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Check soil moisture by digging 1-2 inches deep. Water when partly dry.
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Water slowly and deeply, soaking the soil around and below the roots.
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For containers, add enough water so it drains from the bottom.
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For in-ground thyme, soak to a 6-8 inch depth.
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Avoid getting leaves and stems wet when watering – just soak the soil.
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After watering, wait until the soil is partly dry 1-2 inches down before adding more.
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Increase frequency if hot and dry. Decrease frequency in cool, wet weather.
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Remove any saucers under containers quickly after watering so thyme doesn’t sit in water.
Common Problems to Avoid
Here are some common watering mistakes to avoid with thyme:
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Overwatering – Only water when partly dry to prevent root rot.
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Underwatering – Increase frequency if leaves droop or growth seems stunted.
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Fixing on a strict schedule – Check soil moisture as thyme’s needs change.
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Shallow watering – Thyme needs occasional deep soaking to moisten soil 6-8 inches down.
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Frequent light sprinkling – Thyme requires thorough, infrequent soakings.
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Wet foliage – Only water soil to prevent diseases on leaves.
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Letting thyme sit in water – Use containers with drainage holes and dump trays.
Growing Flavorful, Healthy Thyme
Here are some final tips for growing great thyme plants:
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Give thyme at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
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Prune regularly to promote bushy new growth.
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Fertilize lightly in spring and fall – excess nitrogen reduces flavor.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites and aphids.
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Plant with complementary herbs like oregano and sage.
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Harvest just before flowering for the best flavor.
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Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are partly dry.
By understanding thyme’s preference for infrequent but thorough watering, avoiding overwatering, and adjusting to changing weather conditions, you can grow bountiful thyme harvests with amazing flavor. With the proper soil moisture, thyme is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
How Often Should You Water Herbs?
Once you have determined how much water your outdoor herb garden needs, understanding how often to water herbs is much easier, but you also need knowledge of the local climate.
You want to shoot for a routine that allows for daily, consistent watering. Bear in mind that watering too little is easier to fix than overwatering. You will need to make adjustments, of course, depending on local rainfall and other factors.
Here is the reality. A schedule of daily watering may not be feasible. Many herb gardeners report that they have had good results watering once or twice each week. Just make sure that the soil around the base of the herb does not become too dry.
The big mistake would be to overwater because it is convenient for you. Dont do that. A healthy herb garden requires a commitment of your time.
How Much Water Do Herbs Need?
Knowing how much water the various herb species in your garden need can be tricky. There are a lot of variables that come into play. These include climate, sun exposure and other factors.
Herbs must be watered on a regular basis. The important thing is to find the proper balance and avoid overwatering. Learning how to spot overwatering is your best safeguard. Over time, you will be able to determine the proper method of watering herbs in your garden’s unique environment.
Many herbs are hardy. They can tolerate soil that is moderately dry. You want to keep an eye out for wilting when the soil is wet. Ideally, your herbs should make quick use of the water you give them. Saturated soil is not what you are after.
Pay close attention to the coloration of the leaves on your herbs. Yellow leaves can be a sign of too much water, and so can black leaves. If you spot any mildew or fuzz on the herbs, too much moisture can be the problem.
A good herb-watering strategy involves observation. You need to spend time with your plants each day to monitor how water affects them. Make notes if necessary.
THYME GROWING GUIDE: 5 Tips for Success
FAQ
Do you water thyme every day?
Thyme is an herb that can thrive with very little watering. You should only have to water this herb every 10–15 days. Thyme is also a plant that can thrive in colder months thanks to its hardy nature. Spending a little time in the study of herb watering and care can have a beneficial impact on your herb garden.
Can you overwater thyme?
Thyme is very sensitive to staying too wet, and while over-watering seems like it may not be possible with the hot dry weather, it is possible that oxygen depravation from staying damp caused some thyme roots to rot off, which in turn kills top growth. If the soil is more clay based and not well draining.
Does thyme need full sun?
Yes, thyme generally needs full sun. It thrives with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
How to tell if thyme needs water?
Check the soil moisture with your finger. Poke your finger into the soil about 2 to 3cm deep, and if it is dry, then water your thyme plant.