Thyme for Today: Herb Attracts Many Beneficial Pollinators

Thyme in a container works well. The well known culinary herb is a hardy plant which doesn't mind if a watering or two is missed. Thyme is drought tolerant, and the plant does well even without a lot of fertilizer and maintenance. A perennial herb, thyme only grows to about eight inches to maybe twelve inches tall, adding to it's appeal for container herb gardening.

Thyme attracts bees when it flowers; the flowers are a rich source of pollen and nectar for these important insects. Native bees and the honeybee populations have been declining in recent years and a planting of thyme, along with other beneficial pollinators plants, is helpful to these essential insects. In a container garden, thyme should be placed as far as possible from doorways when blooming to help alleviate potential problems for those nervous about bees.

Outside, thyme in the flower or vegetable garden will attract the many beneficial insects needed for pollination, entertainment and enjoyment. Thyme's low growing habit and colorful white to lavender flowers and aroma enhance an atmosphere of natural peace and a healthy yard environment. In the yard as an ornamental, thyme makes an attractive ground cover or edging plant; in the vegetable garden, thymes fragrant flowers help to attract bees to tomatoes, eggplants and peppers and is reputed to deter cabbage butterflies.

There are dozens of different kinds of thyme, many of which can be purchased as seeds or as a plant. The most common plant in garden centers is Thymus vulgaris, sometimes called wild thyme or common thyme and is used most often in cooking. There are also popular varieties of French and German thyme and some thyme varieties which have different citrus flavors such as orange or lemon. Thyme can be used in a large number of dishes including fish and meats, stews, soups, salads, breads and marinades.

Thyme seeds are tiny but easily started indoors in a sunny location several weeks before the last frost date. The seeds, in a warm, well lit area will generally germinate in about a week. As with most plants, harden off before planting outside.

Plants are also readily available in most garden supply centers and nurseries. Established plants can be dug in the spring and divided. Thyme does best in full sun and well drained soil. It does not care for prolong wet conditions or soggy soil.

The most pungent flavor is just before the herb flowers generally in mid-summer. Thyme sprigs can be easily dried and stored. The flowers are also edible. Allow the herb to grow and flower after the first mid-summer harvest. Pickings for kitchen use can be taken at any time.

As would be expected, the ancient Romans, Greek and Egyptian grew, used and wrote about thyme which is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area. For the old Empires, thyme was respected for it's antiseptic and healing abilities, perfume, and burial qualities. During the Middle Ages, thyme was associated with courage and was often used as a symbol of bravery on clothing. There was also a widespread belief that thyme was the dwelling herb for garden fairies. If any are observed today, be careful who you tell.

Thyme today is used as an additive for mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo, perfumes, colognes and deodorant today. For it's ability to attract pollinating insects, thyme also ironically repels some of the more annoying insects and is used in some insect repellents.

But the herb thyme is best known for it's culinary uses and it's gourmet flavors in many dishes. For yard landscaping, the vegetable garden garden or the container garden, it is a helpful herb for the bees. Thyme is a low maintenance, weather hardy, pleasant and all around useful herb to be considered any time.