Thyme seedlings

Lemon Thyme.
Height: 5-8inches in a 12cm Nursery pot

Here's a comprehensive care guide for thyme plants:

1. Site Selection:
   - Choose a sunny location for your thyme plants where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
   - Thyme can tolerate some shade but thrives best in full sun.
   - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

2. Soil Preparation:
   - Thyme prefers well-draining soil 
   - Amend heavy or clay soils with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
   - Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil to enrich fertility.

3. Planting:
      - Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant, and backfill with soil.

4. Watering:
   - Water newly planted thyme regularly to establish roots. Once established, thyme is drought-tolerant.

- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
   - Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.

6. Fertilizing:
   - Thyme generally does not require much fertilizer.
   - If your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) sparingly in early spring.

7. Mulching:
 You can skip mulching. Thyme prefers well-drained soil, and mulching can lead to excess moisture retention, which can be detrimental to its health. 

8. Pest and Disease Management:
   - Thyme is relatively pest-resistant, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites.
   - Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests become problematic.
   - Ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

9. Harvesting:
   - You can start harvesting thyme leaves once the plant reaches about 6 inches tall.

-Do not harvest woody branches, only the top green branches
   - Trim leaves as needed throughout the growing season, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
   - Harvest in the morning when essential oils are at their peak for the best flavor.

Extra Care Instructions for Container Gardening

Here's a detailed care guide for growing thyme plants in containers:

1. Container and Soil Preparation:
   - Select a container with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as thyme plants dislike soggy roots.
   - Use a well-draining potting mix designed for herbs or mix your own with equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
   - Ensure the container is at least 6-8 inches deep to accommodate thyme's root system.

2. Watering:
   - Water thyme plants evenly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
   - Check the moisture level regularly, especially during hot weather, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
   - Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; water at the base of the plants instead.

By following these care guidelines, you can grow healthy and flavorful thyme plants in your garden or containers. Thyme is a versatile herb that adds wonderful fragrance and taste to many dishes, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden.