Thyme is part of the Lamiaceae family, just like savory, and remains an essential aromatic plant for any amateur gardener wishing to bring fragrance and flavor to their vegetable garden. Greenhouse cultivation offers ideal conditions for the development of this Mediterranean herb and allows you to enjoy its virtues all year round.
We'll walk you through growing thyme step-by-step, from soil preparation to harvesting, maintenance, and disease management.
What Varieties of Thyme Can be Grown in a Greenhouse?
Start by learning about the varieties of thyme that can be grown in a garden greenhouse:
Common Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ): One of the most common varieties and well suited to greenhouse cultivation. It has a strong aroma and robust flavor, making it an ideal addition to cooked dishes.
Wild thyme ( Thymus serpyllum ): This other variety of thyme has a lower, spreading growth habit, making it suitable for the tight spaces that a greenhouse can offer. It has a slightly milder flavor than common thyme, making it an excellent choice for delicate dishes.
Sage-leaf thyme ( Thymus ' Sage '): Sage leaf thyme is distinguished by its broader, thicker leaves. It has a scent similar to sage and is ideal for Mediterranean cooking.
Orange and Lemon Thyme: The common thyme mentioned above comes in several sub-varieties, including lemon thyme ( Thymus x citriodorus ) and orange thyme ( Thymus fragrantissimus ), which add citrusy nuances to your recipes. These thyme varieties offer refreshing aromas that can add a unique dimension to your fish and poultry dishes.
If we have one piece of advice to give you, focus on the most common one because it is perfectly adaptable and remains the most accessible to everyone.
Which Greenhouses are Most Suitable?
Whether small, medium or large, there are no indications or contraindications on the choice of your garden greenhouse when you want to plant thyme.
Let's assume that you enjoy gardening and growing large plants, then a mini or small greenhouse may not be enough for you. However, if you want plants that don't take up space then look at our easy to assemble models among our polytunnel greenhouses .
Tips before you start growing thyme in a greenhouse
Before you start growing thyme in a greenhouse, it is essential to carefully plan your project, especially in terms of equipment. Make sure you have the necessary gardening tools and for the rest, follow these steps:
Step 1. Choose the right location
Choosing the right location for your greenhouse is a crucial step in ensuring the successful cultivation of your aromatic herbs such as thyme. The location chosen will directly influence the amount of sunlight , the ambient temperature and even the protection from the elements . Let's get into the details:
Sunlight: Thyme needs light to thrive. When setting up your greenhouse, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Herbs, including thyme, tend to produce more essential oils and taste better when they get adequate exposure to sunlight.
Orientation: Generally, a south or southeast orientation is ideal to maximize sunlight throughout the day. Avoid shady locations or those that receive excessive shade from buildings or trees.
Wind Protection: Strong winds can damage your polytunnel and stress your plants. Set up your polytunnel in a relatively sheltered area to reduce the impact of wind. If necessary, use windbreaks to further protect your plants.
Proximity to the house: Having your greenhouse close to your house can make access and daily care easier. However, make sure that the location chosen still meets the needs for sunlight and shelter from the wind.
Local Regulations: Check local regulations and building codes, as they may influence the location of your greenhouse.
Step 2. Choose prepared, well drained soil
The second step to successfully growing thyme in a greenhouse is to prepare the soil. This plant appreciates light, drained and rather poor soil. To do this, mix your soil with sand and potting soil to improve drainage. It is also important to check that your greenhouse offers good exposure to the sun, because thyme needs at least 6 hours of light per day.
To plant thyme, you can do it by sowing or by buying already developed plants. Sowing can be done in pots indoors before being transplanted into a greenhouse when the young plants have reached a sufficient size (about 5 cm). Make sure to space the plants about 20 cm apart so that they have enough space to develop.
Step 3. Check the temperature regularly
It is important to know that thyme thrives at temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. Regular temperature monitoring via a thermometer or thermostat is crucial to monitor and maintain an optimal environment in your garden greenhouse.
Trust your feelings and if excessive heat is observed, remember to ventilate the greenhouse and shade the plants to prevent them from suffering.
Step 4. Water moderately
Watering thyme should be moderate and regular, taking care to avoid excess water. that could cause root rot. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and conserve soil moisture.
Our team's tip: “ Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot problems. ”
Step 5. Prune Regularly
Pruning your thyme regularly encourages compact, bushy growth and promotes the production of new aromatic leaves. The most experienced will say that there are 3 types of pruning:
Step 6. Fertilize lightly
Generally speaking, light fertilization is an essential practice to maintain the health and vigor of your plants, thyme being no exception. Unlike excessive fertilization which can cause nutritional imbalances and growth problems, light fertilization consists of providing nutrients in a moderate way to meet the specific needs of the plants.
Here are some key points to consider when fertilizing:
Choosing a fertilizer: Choose a balanced fertilizer, preferably slow release, specially formulated for aromatic herbs. A balanced fertilizer contains equal proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as essential trace elements. It is important to choose a fertilizer that is suited to the needs of your greenhouse thyme.
Application Frequency: Apply fertilizer lightly and sparingly. Light fertilization typically consists of feeding plants every 4 to 6 weeks during the thyme's active growing season.
Dilution: If using a water soluble fertilizer, dilute it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Too high a concentration can burn the plant's roots.
Ideal timing: Apply fertilizer in the morning or on cloudy days to avoid leaf burn caused by exposure to direct sunlight after fertilizing.
Watering after Fertilizing: Lightly water the plant after applying fertilizer to help distribute nutrients throughout the soil.
Watch for signs of overfertilization: Watch for signs of overfertilization, such as yellow leaves , burnt tips , or excessive growth. If you observe these symptoms, reduce the frequency of fertilization.
Step 7. Protect yourself from pests
Watch for pests such as aphids , mites and whiteflies that can damage leaves and cause overall plant weakness. To prevent these problems, consider organic control methods such as introducing predatory beneficial insects or using organic insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection of your plants will allow you to detect any signs of infestation early, while keeping the greenhouse clean and well ventilated will also help reduce the risk of insect attacks. A proactive approach to protecting thyme from insects will ensure your success.
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