About Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that spreads to form a dense, aromatic mat over time. It’s ideal for softening the look of stone paths, filling gaps between pavers, edging borders, and covering sunny open spaces where you’d like less mowing and more seasonal texture.

In bloom, Creeping Thyme is covered in small flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The foliage is evergreen or semi-evergreen in many climates, adding fragrance and color all season long.

When to Plant Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme can be planted in spring or fall, with timing chosen to avoid extreme heat and to give young plants time to establish.

• Spring: Plant after the danger of hard frost has passed and soil is workable.
• Fall: Plant at least 6–8 weeks before your average first frost to allow roots to establish.
• Avoid seeding or transplanting during the hottest, driest weeks of summer.

Where to Plant Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme prefers sun and good drainage. It is not a good choice for wet or heavily shaded areas.

• Sun: Aim for full sun (6+ hours/day) for best flowering and a tight, low habit.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Thyme tolerates poor, rocky, or sandy soils better than heavy, soggy ones.
• Best uses: Between stepping stones, along paths, in rock gardens, on slopes, and as low-traffic lawn alternatives.
• Not ideal for: Areas with constant heavy foot traffic, dog runs, or deep shade.

Soil Preparation

For new thyme groundcover areas:

• Remove existing grass, weeds, and debris so thyme can reach bare soil.
• Loosen the top 1–2 inches of soil to improve drainage and root penetration.
• If soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or fine gravel and organic matter to improve drainage.

Between stepping stones or pavers:

• Clear soil in gaps so there is at least 1–2 inches of planting depth.
• Ensure water does not pool in joints; good drainage prevents root rot.

How to Plant Creeping Thyme

Planting from plugs or small plants:

• Space plants about 6–12 inches apart, depending on how quickly you want them to fill in.
• Dig a small hole slightly larger than the root ball, set the plant at the same depth, and backfill gently.
• Firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly after planting.

Planting from seed (if applicable):

• Lightly rake or loosen the soil surface in the planting area.
• Broadcast seed thinly over the prepared soil; thyme seeds are very small, so a light hand is best.
• Press seed gently into the soil surface—do not bury deeply. Thyme seeds need light contact with soil but should remain near the surface.
• Consider mixing seed with sand (about 5 parts sand to 1 part seed) for more even distribution.

Watering & Establishment

Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant once established, but young plants and seedlings need consistent moisture.

• Keep soil evenly moist (not saturated) during the first 4–6 weeks after planting.
• Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again.
• Reduce watering gradually once plants are well established and new growth is evident.

After the first growing season, Creeping Thyme typically requires minimal supplemental watering except during extended droughts—especially in hot, dry climates.

Foot Traffic & Use

Creeping Thyme is often described as “step-able,” but there are limits to how much traffic it can handle.

• Light to moderate foot traffic: Ideal between stepping stones, at the edges of paths, or in small sitting areas.
• Heavy traffic: Not recommended for constantly-used play areas, dog runs, or high-use paths.
• Encourage guests to stick to stepping stones for long-term health of the thyme.

Ongoing Care

Once established, Creeping Thyme is easy to maintain with just a few simple practices.

• Weeding: Hand-weed as needed, especially in the first year while thyme is filling in.
• Fertilizing: In most soils, additional fertilizer is not necessary. In very poor soils, a light, balanced organic fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.
• Trimming: If plants become too tall or woody, shear lightly after flowering to encourage fresh new growth.
• Winter: In many climates, Creeping Thyme stays low and green or semi-evergreen; some browning in winter is normal and growth resumes in spring.

Using Seed-Tac with Creeping Thyme

Because thyme seed is very small and lightweight, it can shift in wind and rain, especially on slopes or loose soil. Seed-Tac can help keep seed in place while it germinates.

• Recommended for sloped areas or erosion-prone sites.
• Helps improve seed-to-soil contact and moisture retention.
• Useful when seeding large areas or when you can’t water frequently.