Thymes in Barnston

Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 2nd March - 1st April and just press them in, because thyme needs light to germinate. Keep them warm and do not let the compost dry out.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots from 7th April. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them in bright light so they do not get lank.

Move the plants into slightly larger pots from 28th April once the roots fill the first pot. Use a free-draining mix and avoid overpotting, as thyme grows better when kept a little snug.

Acclimatise the plants from 9th April over about 22 days before planting out. Put them outside for longer each day, but protect them from cold wind and heavy rain.

Plant out from 30th April in a full sun, sharply drained spot, or keep the plant in a pot with gritty compost. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep watering light while roots settle.

From 2nd July, pinch out the growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and stop it becoming straggly. Do not cut into old bare wood, since thyme may not reshoot well from that.

Take small sprigs from 9th June once the plant is well rooted, then keep picking lightly through 21st November. In the first year, take only a modest amount so the plant can establish properly.