{"id":73,"date":"2021-07-13T09:13:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T09:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/symbiosis.farm\/?p=73"},"modified":"2022-05-03T14:35:16","modified_gmt":"2022-05-03T14:35:16","slug":"time-for-thyme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/symbiosis.farm\/?p=73","title":{"rendered":"Time for Thyme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Time for Thyme: how to plant, grow, and use organic thyme<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Organic
organic thyme <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If I could only grow one perennial herb, it would be thyme.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thank goodness nature never imposes a rule like that\u2014beacuse I would miss mint, sage, rosemary, anise hyssop\u2014but still, there\u2019s nothing like sitting in a bed of thyme and running my hands through it, swirling the scent into the air and all around my body.  It\u2019s instant calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a student in Wisdom of the Herbs<\/a>, I remember my teacher Annie sharing an old saying, \u201cwho weeds thyme cultivates patience.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think it all comes from the scent.  There\u2019s nothing quite like the smell of thyme on a sunny summer day to infuse into my lungs and remind me to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even beyond summer, I keep thyme close.  It\u2019s easy to dry: just hang upside-down in bundles, and in a week or two, it\u2019s ready for winter storage.  All through winter and spring, I add thyme to meals and drink it in tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t yet grown this perennial herb, it\u2019s thyme you do.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

(I\u2019m sorry, I just couldn\u2019t help myself!)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thyme takes it time, so start seeds early in the spring, 6 \u2013 8 weeks before your last frost date.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sprinkle seeds in an open flat on the surface of the soil, and cover lightly with vermiculite or soil.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once sown, it can take 2 \u2013 4 to emerge from the soil, helping you cultivate patience right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Growing
organic thyme seedlings growing in rows in an open flat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

{For more on seeding thyme and other perennial herbs, read <\/em>4 Perennial Kitchen Herbs to Start Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a>}<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up-pot thyme into containers once the plants have at least 4 true leaves.  I typically up-pot them 3-4 plants per container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the last frost, you can plant thyme outside, transplanting them 6 \u2013 8\u201d apart in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.  Thyme can grow well in dry soil, though if you live in a very hot climate, it will benefit from partial shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use Thyme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyme is an aromatic herb that can help with digestion and respiratory issues.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love it on roast chicken, paired with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  In a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, thyme, and olive oil together to make a thick paste, then rub on a whole chicken before roasting.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a digestive aid, it\u2019s also delicious paired with sage and added to lamb and beef roasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, sprinkle it in black beans to brighten up rice and beans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a simple soothing tea, mix thyme and honey together.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add 2-3 sprigs of thyme per 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover and let steep for 10 \u2013 15 minutes.  Add a spoonful of honey to taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is our family\u2019s favorite cold-time tea, made even better by the fact that our 5-year-old son loves it, too.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Kate<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Welcome, love.  I\u2019m Kate: writer and organic farmer at Good Heart Farmstead.  I\u2019m here to help you grow a thriving organic farm and cultivate a flourishing creative practice.  Because creativity is as essential as food.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you love thyme, too?  What\u2019s your favorite way to use thyme?  Let me know in the comments below.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Time for Thyme: how to plant, grow, and use organic thyme If I could only grow one perennial herb, it would be thyme. Thank goodness nature never imposes a rule like that\u2014beacuse I would miss mint, sage, rosemary, anise hyssop\u2014but still, there\u2019s nothing like sitting in a bed of thyme and running my hands through … <\/p>\n

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