Herb Garden Plants

Thymus species (Labiatae)

Appearance:
Common thyme herb garden plants reach mature growth in the shape of a 25 to 35cm high puffball, as opposed to the rest of the thyme clan which present in the form of a 75mm high(3inch) ground covering or low border, for which purpose they are used most often.

History:
Thyme is an essential addition to your arsenal of herb garden plants. Apart from the culinary virtues of thyme, it is also used for making a preservative using thymol an essential oil harboured in the thyme plant.

Common or garden thyme (T vulgaris) is the culinary star, but there is nothing common or vulgar about it. In fact, like the mint family, thyme has many disguises – notably lemon thyme and caraway thyme, which are used as decorative plants that serve a culinary function. Smell them to see why; the thyme aroma is distinctive.

Usage Culinary:
The strong aroma of these herb garden plants survives after preservation by drying or freezing.

Thyme is particularly useful for venison or other game as it’s flavour takes away much of the wild taste and survives a long session in the pot. Exercise caution when using thyme for normal dishes: although an essential element in bouquet garni, the strong flavour can overwhelm many dishes when used as a standalone herb in a recipe.

Thyme is traditionally used in:

• Cooked meats
• Stews
• Fish dishes (Lemon thyme)
• Vegetable soups
• Stuffing (Chicken, rolled and deboned pork, rolled beef)
• Terrines
• Sausages

Cultivation:
Well drained limey and dry soil in a sundrenched spot is what a typical thyme would ask for if herb garden plants could speak.

It is a good idea to plant thyme in pots so they may be moved indoors or to a sheltered spot in winter, particularly in a winter rainfall area which may bring on excessive dampness. Even in areas that experience a mild winter some shelter is advisable, even if it is just planting in a sheltered sunny corner of the garden. This may even involve planting thyme separately from your other herb garden plants.

Harvesting:
For best results harvest thyme prior to the plants flowering. Use a shaded warm area to hang sprigs up to dry. Alternately place on kitchen paper or clean cloth to dry out.

Propagation:
End cuttings taken from existing herb garden plants prior to Summer flowering grow well, or propagate from Spring-sown seed. Plant thyme seedlings out to 75mm (3 ins) when convenient to handle.

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