Organic Herbs - Aromatic Thyme

Among common Organic Herbs grown in the home, thyme is one of the more aromatic. Thyme is the name most of us use for “Thymus”. Thyme is a member of the mint family, and is known as a sweet Organic Herb. Thyme is useful in the kitchen, giving wonderful flavor and aroma to foods. It is good to use as seasoning with fatty foods such as meats, since it aids in digestion.Thyme is a hardy Organic Herb, and can be grown indoors or out.

This Organic Herb can be grown easily from seed. Start it indoors in early spring, using fluorescent or HID plant grow lights.

Planting Thyme

Plant this Organic Herb in soil that is sandy and light, or in rich loam. It will grow in many conditions - even in poor soil - but these are thyme’s preferred soil types. Be sure the soil is well drained. If your thyme will be grown in an indoor Organic Herb garden, plant seeds in individual pots. Thin plants to 18″ apart when they are about 2″ tall. Outdoors, plant seedlings (started indoors) about 18 to 24 inches apart in full sunshine.

Indoor Organic Herb Garden

Set containers on a south-facing (northern hemisphere) or north-facing (southern hemisphere) windowsill if you are making an Organic Herb garden indoors. Avoid drafts, and be sure your thyme plants have plenty of natural light or fluorescent/HID grow lights. Water thyme regularly, but be sure the soil drains well.

Flowering

This Organic Herb flowers in late summer, putting forth small pink or Lavender flowers. You should harvest leaves before full flowering takes place. Thyme leaves are sweetest if picked just as the first flowers appear. Pluck sprigs and use them fresh, or bundle them to hang until dry. Place dried sprigs of this Organic Herb in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep up to six months. Store fresh sprigs of this Organic Herb in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer or stand sprigs in a glass of water on a refrigerator shelf.

Using Aromatic Thyme in Cooking

When cooking with this Organic Herb, keep in mind that one fresh sprig has the same seasoning power of one-half teaspoon of dried thyme. Strip the leaves from the stems by running the stem between the tines of a fork. Crush the leaves between your hands before adding them to your recipe.

Aromatic Thyme as a Medication

In addition to being delicious as a seasoning, this Organic Herb can be used for certain medicinal purposes. It is used as an antiseptic, an expectorant, antispasmodic, and deodorant. Thyme aids in digestion, too, as mentioned above. Recent studies indicate that this wonderful Organic Herb actually strengthens the immune system.

Buying Thyme Seed

Main Street Organic Seeds is a good source of thyme and other Organic Herb seeds. We review that company on this website. To read our review of Main Street Organic Seeds, click here or on the blue Organic Seeds tab at the top of this page.