Thyme originally comes from the countries around the Mediterranean Sea that are hot and mild in summer. Nevertheless, there are now numerous breeds that also thrive in our Central European climate and even survive cold winters. For this reason, the evergreen thyme is wonderfully suitable as a ground cover all year round.
Many thyme varieties are hardy
Most thyme varieties are hardy and can therefore be left outside during the cold season. The herb survives mild winters without any further problems, you should only provide suitable protection during longer periods of frost. An insulating layer of fir branches or spruce brushwood and straw is suitable for this. Plastic films, on the other hand, are less suitable because a lot of moisture collects underneath. For the same reason, thyme should also not be covered with leaves - too much moisture will cause the delicate plant to rot.
Do not prune thyme too late
However, so that your thyme survives the winter in the garden well, you should neither fertilize nor cut back from around mid-August. Cutting too late would only encourage the herb to form fresh shoots, which would not mature in time before the autumn cold snap and therefore freeze to death. Instead, just let your thyme mature and eventually humble it in the spring. Every two to three years, the rapidly aging plant can also be rejuvenated by division - this way you can have your thyme much longer, which usually doesn't get older than three to four years.
tips and tricks
In the cold season, make sure you have an adequate water supply, because potted thyme in particular should be watered from time to time - but not too much. In wet winters, however, waterlogging can quickly become a problem, so you should protect your plants if necessary - e.g. B. by a canopy.
IJA