Boost Your Thyme: The Ultimate Guide on What to Plant With Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that adds an earthy, minty flavor to dishes. With its delicate leaves and pretty flowers, thyme is also an attractive addition to ornamental gardens. But did you know that planting the right companion plants near thyme can really help it thrive?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best and worst companion plants for thyme. We’ll look at what flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables make good thyme partners. We’ll also discuss why companion planting is beneficial and how it creates a symbiotic relationship between plants.

So let’s dive in and learn how to create the perfect plant pairings to give your thyme a boost!

Why Companion Plant with Thyme?

Companion planting is the practice of strategically planting different plants together so they can benefit each other. There are several advantages to planting companion plants with thyme:

• Pest control – Some plants repel common pests, protecting more vulnerable plants like thyme.

• Pollination – Companion plants can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, improving pollination.

• Soil enrichment – Plants like cover crops and dynamic accumulators improve soil health Their roots fix nitrogen and mine minerals from deep in the soil

• Space utilization – Pairing plants with different growth habits maximizes space and resources. Tall plants can provide shade for shorter ones.

• Flavor enhancement – Some plants even enhance the flavor of neighboring herbs like thyme when grown together.

So choosing the right thyme companion plants creates a symbiotic environment where plants can thrive together.

Best Companion Plants for Thyme

Here are some of the top companion plant pairings that are beneficial to grow with thyme:

Companion Flowers

Marigolds – Marigolds deter pests like nematodes, aphids, and beetles that can damage thyme. Their bright flowers also attract beneficial pollinators.

Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums repel aphids, squash bugs, and other pests. Their edible flowers also draw in pollinating insects.

Cosmos – Cosmos attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, improving pollination for thyme and other plants.

Zinnias – Bright zinnias attract pollinators while repelling deer and rabbits that might nibble on thyme.

Companion Fruits

Strawberries – Low-growing strawberries work well with thyme without competing too much. Both plants attract pollinators.

Blueberries – Blueberries and thyme thrive in acidic soil and attract beneficial insects. Creeping thyme makes a good living mulch around blueberries.

Currants – Currant bushes provide height diversity without shading thyme too much. Currants and thyme both benefit pollinators.

Companion Herbs

Oregano – Oregano and thyme have similar growing needs and help repel pests like cabbage moths when planted together.

Parsley – The contrasting upright form of parsley complements creeping thyme nicely. It increases garden diversity.

Rosemary – Rosemary repels pests while attracting pollinators, complementing thyme’s abilities. It has similar growth habits to thyme.

Sage – Sage attracts beneficial insects while deterring cabbage moths, carrot flies, and beetles that can bother thyme.

Companion Vegetables

Cabbage family – Thyme deters cabbage loopers, cabbage moths, and other brassica pests. It’s great to plant near broccoli, kale, collards, etc.

Beans – Thyme repels bean beetles, and its shallow roots don’t compete with beans. Beans also fix nitrogen, enriching soil.

Tomatoes – Thyme repels whiteflies, cabbage loopers, and other pests that plague tomatoes. It may also enhance tomato flavor.

Lettuce – Creeping thyme makes an attractive, pest-repelling living mulch for lettuce plants and keeps the soil moist.

What to Avoid Planting with Thyme

While some plants make ideal companions for thyme, others should be avoided:

• Mint – Mint is invasive and could overtake thyme’s space, light, and nutrients. It also requires more moisture.

• Cilantro – Cilantro needs more moisture than thyme, so one plant would suffer.

• Fennel – Fennel exudes chemicals that inhibit the growth of its neighboring plants, including thyme.

• Dill – Dill attracts aphids and other pests that could spread to thyme. It can also overshadow thyme.

• Cucumbers – Thyme may stunt cucumber growth and give cucumbers an unpleasant flavor.

So steer clear of these plants when choosing what to grow near thyme. Stick to thyme’s preferred companions for happy neighbors!

Tips for Growing Thyme

Follow these handy tips to successfully grow thyme alongside its companion plants:

• Plant thyme in well-draining soil in full sun (at least 6 hours per day).

• Thyme prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH soil, around 6.5-7.

• Water thyme thoroughly after planting, then only during long dry spells. Too much moisture causes root rot.

• Trim thyme lightly in spring to promote new growth. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant.

• Mulch around thyme with gravel or organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilize thyme lightly in spring using organic fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilization.

• Prune thyme again after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit and encourage more blooms.

• Potted thyme should be moved indoors or protected before first frost in cold climates.

Companion Planting in Action

By thoughtfully combining compatible plants, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem with thyme as a centerpiece. Here is one example of effective companion planting with thyme:

• Border the thyme with marigolds and nasturtiums to deter pests.

• Interplant creeping thyme with strawberries and lettuce, which benefit from the pest protection.

• Allow taller rosemary and currant bushes nearby to provide diversity.

• Fill empty spaces with cosmos and zinnias to attract pollinators.

• Plant oregano, cabbage, and beans nearby so thyme can repel their pests.

This sample layout maximizes diversity, pest control, and pollination. The result is healthy, vibrant plants that complement each other beautifully!

So be creative and get the most out of your thyme with smart companion planting. With the right plant partners, your thyme will flourish like never before. Give it a whirl in your garden this season!