Thyme is a versatile herb that adds delightful flavor to many dishes. With its earthy, minty taste, thyme complements vegetables, meats, soups, and more. This classic culinary herb is easy to grow indoors or outdoors. However, proper watering is key to keeping your thyme plants happy and healthy. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how often to water thyme.
An Overview of Thyme’s Water Needs
Thyme is drought-resistant and doesn’t require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering is more likely to cause problems Here are some key points to understand about thyme’s water requirements
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Thyme prefers dry conditions and good drainage Wet soil can lead to root rot,
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Established thyme plants need watering every 10-15 days, letting the soil dry out in between
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Thyme planted in containers may need more frequent watering, as soil dries out faster. Check soil regularly.
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New thyme seedlings need more constant moisture to establish roots. Water more frequently.
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Hot and dry weather causes thyme to need more frequent watering. Adjust as needed.
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Thyme can withstand short periods of drought due to its Mediterranean origins.
How to Tell When Thyme Needs Watering
The best way to know if your thyme needs water is to check the soil. Here are tips for when to water:
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Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry 2 inches down, it’s time to water.
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Pick up the pot and feel its weight. Much lighter means drier soil.
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Leaves may droop slightly when underwatered. But be sure drooping isn’t due to overwatering.
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If new growth is slow, thyme may need more frequent watering.
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In very hot weather, check soil every 2-3 days and water when dry 1 inch deep.
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Get to know your plants’ signs of underwatering and overwatering. Thyme leaves turning yellow or getting spots could mean too much water.
Watering Thyme Indoors vs. Outdoors
Caring for indoor and outdoor thyme isn’t radically different, but here are some tips:
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Outdoor thyme may need more watering with full sun and heat.
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Indoor thyme should be kept consistently moist but not wet as air is drier.
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Container thyme outdoors needs more watering than in-ground as containers dry out faster.
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Best practice is to check soil moisture and not water on a fixed schedule.
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When watering containers, add enough water so it drains from the bottom holes.
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Prevent fungal issues indoors with pots that drain well and water only when soil is partly dry.
How Much Water Does Thyme Need?
When watering thyme, focus on soaking the soil thoroughly, then letting it dry out. Here are some guidelines:
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For potted thyme, water until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
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For in-ground thyme, soak the soil around plants to 6-8 inch depth.
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For the first year, water new plants 1-2 times per week if soil gets dry.
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Mature thyme only needs a thorough soaking every 10-15 days.
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In very hot weather, established thyme may need watering every 5-7 days.
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After watering, don’t add more until soil is partly dry 1-2 inches down.
Watering Thyme Step-by-Step
Follow these steps when watering thyme plants:
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Check soil moisture by digging 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Water when partly dry.
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Water slowly and deeply, soaking the soil around and below thyme roots.
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For container thyme, add enough water so it drains from the pot’s bottom.
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For in-ground thyme, water around plants to a 6-8 inch depth.
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Avoid getting thyme leaves and stems wet when watering. Focus water at soil level.
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After watering, don’t add more until soil is partly dry again 1-2 inches down.
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Increase frequency if weather is hot and dry, decrease when cool and wet.
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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 plants:
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Overwatering – Wet soil leads to root rot. Only water when partly dry.
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Underwatering – If leaves droop or growth is stunted, increase water frequency.
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Fixing on a strict schedule – Check soil as thymes’ needs change over time.
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Not watering thoroughly – Water should soak 6-8 inches deep in soil.
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Frequent light sprinkling – Thyme needs occasional deep soaking.
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Wet foliage – Water soil only to prevent diseases forming on leaves.
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Letting thyme sit in water – Use containers with holes and remove any water in trays.
Tips for Healthy, Flavorful Thyme
Here are some final tips to grow your best thyme plants:
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Ensure thyme gets 6+ hours of sun per day for its required light.
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Prune thymes regularly to promote bushy new growth.
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Fertilize lightly in spring and autumn. Excess nitrogen reduces flavor.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites that can plague thyme.
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Plant thyme with herbs like oregano, sage, and lavender for flavor synergy.
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Harvest thyme just before flowers bloom for peak flavor and oils.
Give your thyme the occasional deep watering and let the soil dry, and you’ll reap bountiful, flavorful harvests of this lovely herb over many years. With the proper care, thyme is an easy and rewarding plant for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
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I love to grow, particularly herbs and medicinal plants but also fruits, vegetables and plants for the home. I work as a horticulturist, specifically with plants for indoor spaces, and I study in my spare time. I live in the city but seek out green spaces and those which bring nature and growing into the community. Favourite fruits: fresh peaches and blueberries Favourite vegetables: leek, spinach, kale, mushrooms
Thyme makes a valuable addition to any herb garden. Thyme care is not complicated, and with our tips, your thyme plant is bound to thrive.
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a popular, low maintenance herb that requires little attention once established. Thyme prefers well-draining soil and lots of sunlight but can tolerate a range of conditions. Read on to find out all the necessary tips and tricks when it comes to thyme plant care.
Thyme prefers dry soil, so it is important not to overwater. So, how often to water thyme? 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. In high summer, thyme will most likely need water a little more frequently; about once a week if it is hot and dry. Just ensure that the soil dries out completely between watering. The soil of thyme in pots dries out more quickly than when planted in the bed, so you may need to water it more often. Again, check with your finger if the soil is dry and if it is, water it.
Be careful here as potted thyme tends to be more susceptible to overwatering as excess water cannot drain away as easily. To avoid overwatering, choose pots with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Tip: aim at the base of the plant when watering thyme as wet leaves can promote fungal growth.
Thyme requires little additional nutrients in order to flourish. In fact, too much fertiliser can cause thyme to produce more foliage than the essential oils that give thyme its aroma and flavour. When overfertilised, thyme tends to quickly shoot up and lose its low, creeping habitat. It is sufficient to simply mix a handful of compost into the growing medium when planting in the bed or pot. Our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost is an excellent choice for this. Its balance of essential nutrients will give your thyme plant the extra boost it needs for strong and healthy growth.
- Perfect for all your house, garden & balcony plants
- For strong & healthy plants as well as an active soil life
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Pruning is an important part of thyme plant care, as it helps keep the plant in shape and encourages new growth. The easiest way to do this is just by regularly harvesting thyme throughout the growing season. Thyme leaves are most aromatic in summer just before flowering, so this is the best time for harvesting thyme to dry and store for the year to come. It is important to avoid pruning too heavily in late summer or early autumn, as this can reduce the plant’s winter hardiness.
It is also important to prune thyme in spring, just before it resprouts. Remove any frostbitten and dead, withered shoots at the base. To rejuvenate the remaining healthy thyme plant, cut the shoots just above the woody parts of the stems. This stimulates the formation of new shoots and prevents the thyme plant from becoming woody and leggy. When pruning thyme, use a pair of clean scissors and cut just above a set of leaves or a node.
Tip: there are many varieties of thyme, each with its own fragrance. Check out our article on the most popular thyme varieties to decide which ones you want to plant at home.
Thyme benefits from repotting every 1 to 2 years or once the plant has outgrown its pot. The best time to repot thyme is in early spring. Thyme forms an extensive root system and accordingly needs a lot of space. Choose a new pot that is at least a third larger than the root ball. Thyme thrives in a well-draining soil that mimics its native Mediterranean habitat. A specialist herb soil such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost is an excellent choice for repotting your thyme plant. Its loose structure and low nutrient content provide the ideal conditions for thyme to flourish.
- Perfect for herbs as well as sowing, propagating & transplanting
- For aromatic herbs & healthy seedlings with strong roots
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Incorporate 30% sand or perlite into the herb compost to increase water permeability. Additionally, add a drainage layer of pebbles or clay shards to the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
Taxonomy Scientific name
Common Thyme needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
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Thyme: How to Grow & Use This Amazing Herb (COMPLETE GUIDE)
FAQ
Do you water thyme everyday?
Watering thyme
Poke your finger into the soil about 2 to 3cm deep, and if it is dry, then water your thyme plant. In high summer, thyme will most likely need water a little more frequently; about once a week if it is hot and dry. Just ensure that the soil dries out completely between watering.
Can thyme be overwatered?
Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Thyme, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Thyme will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves.
Does thyme need full sun?
Thyme does best in full sun. Start from young plants set out in spring after the last frost. Be sure to choose strong young thyme plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. Plant in soil with excellent drainage and a pH of about 7.0.
Does thyme like to be wet or dry?
Established thyme plants in the ground are drought tolerant and rarely need watering. In fact, too much water is more of a problem – thyme hates damp conditions, especially in winter, as it can cause the roots to rot.
How often should you water thyme?
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot or 6-8 inches deep in the ground. Gradually return to a normal watering schedule after a few deep waterings help revive it. Follow these thyme watering tips, and you’ll have healthy, abundant thyme to flavor your cooking for years to come!
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
Does thyme need to be watered?
Thyme prefers well-draining soil and lots of sunlight but can tolerate a range of conditions. Read on to find out all the necessary tips and tricks when it comes to thyme plant care. Thyme prefers dry soil, so it is important not to overwater. So, how often to water thyme? Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Should thyme be watered at night?
Avoid watering in the evening as cooler, overnight temperatures combined with moisture can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Underwatered thyme will often present with curled or drooping leaves. While thyme is drought-tolerant, prolonged dry conditions can lead to stunted growth.
How do you water a thyme plant?
Follow these steps when watering thyme plants: Check soil moisture by digging 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Water when partly dry. Water slowly and deeply, soaking the soil around and below thyme roots. For container thyme, add enough water so it drains from the pot’s bottom. For in-ground thyme, water around plants to a 6-8 inch depth.
How do you care for thyme?
Caring for indoor and outdoor thyme isn’t radically different, but here are some tips: Outdoor thyme may need more watering with full sun and heat. Indoor thyme should be kept consistently moist but not wet as air is drier. Container thyme outdoors needs more watering than in-ground as containers dry out faster.