Creeping thyme lawn: How to replace a lawn with creeping thyme

Revised: 02/23/2022

What is creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme is a low-growing, spreading plant often used as a ground cover. The plant has downy, gray-green leaves and small, fragrant flowers ranging from white to pink. Creeping thyme is native to Europe and Asia but can also be found growing in other parts of the world. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant. Creeping thyme can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and it is often used in rock gardens or as a border plant. Additionally, the plant leaves can be used to add flavor to food or as decoration.

Why do people replace their lawns with creeping thyme?

One of the most popular reasons for replacing a lawn with creeping thyme is it has low maintenance requirements and because creeping thyme is drought-tolerant once established. Once established, thyme requires very little water, fertilizer, or pruning. Creeping thyme is highly resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to it being an overall low-maintenance option for landscaping.

Another reason for its popularity is its ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic. This makes creeping thyme an ideal ground cover for high-traffic areas such as patios and walkways. Additionally, thyme emits a pleasing aroma when stepped on, which makes it a popular choice for use in outdoor spaces. Finally, creeping thyme is available in many colors, allowing homeowners to create a unique and personalized landscape.

Check out this great video on how you can install a creeping thyme lawn:

How do I replace my lawn or plant creeping thyme as a ground cover? How do I plant creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme is a beautiful, low-growing plant perfect for covering the bare ground. It has pretty purple flowers and produces a delightful scent when brushed against or stepped on. Best of all, it is straightforward to care for. So if you are considering replacing your lawn with something more drought-tolerant or want to add an attractive ground cover to your garden, creeping thyme is a great option.

When planting creeping thyme, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Creeping thyme does not like standing water, so avoid areas that tend to stay soggy after rain. Creeping thyme can be planted directly in the ground or grown in pots and transplanted. If you are starting the plants in pots, use a light, sandy potting mix. Plant the seeds or seedlings about six inches apart and press them gently into the soil. Water well and keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Once they are growing well, creeping thyme is quite drought-tolerant. You can shear it back in late winter to encourage new growth in the spring. With just a little care, your creeping thyme will thrive and provide you with seasons of beauty.

Check out this video on gardening with creeping thyme to see how you can use it in your garden:

Can I grow creeping thyme in the shade?

Creeping thyme can tolerate partial shade. It is a low-growing ground cover that produces small, purple flowers. It requires well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. When grown in the shade, it will have fewer flowers. If you are looking for a plant that will tolerate deep shade, try growing sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) instead. Sweet woodruff is a low-growing ground cover that produces white flowers. It is native to Europe and prefers shady conditions. Sweet woodruff can also be used as a border plant.

What is required to maintain healthy creeping thyme ground cover?

Creeping thyme is very easy to care for and requires little maintenance once it is established. However, there are a few things that you should do to ensure that your creeping thyme stays healthy. First, make sure that it is planted in well-drained soil. Creeping thyme will not tolerate wet or boggy conditions. Second, give it a light trimming in early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves. Third, fertilize your creeping thyme every year with a balanced organic fertilizer.

How do I winterize creeping thyme?

To winterize creeping thyme, it is essential to start by trimming back any dead or dying growth. This will help to encourage new development in the spring. Once the plant has been trimmed back, it should be mulched with a layer of straw or bark mulch. This will insulate the plant and protect it from the elements. Finally, keeping the area around the plant free from debris and leaves is essential. A well-tended creeping thyme plant will likely survive the winter months and thrive in the spring.

Is creeping thyme safe for dogs and pets?

Creeping thyme (thymus serpyllum) is a safe and non-toxic option for dog-friendly gardens. This fast-growing ground cover is perfect for filling in bare spots and releases a gentle aroma when stepped on – making it ideal for discouraging dogs from roaming too far. With its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements, creeping thyme is a great choice for any dog owner who wants to create a safe and inviting outdoor space.