Are you tired of the constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing required to maintain a traditional grass lawn? The average American spends a whopping 70 hours per year on lawn care after all.1
What if there was a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative that filled your yard with a captivating floral aroma? Enter the red creeping thyme lawn – a charming carpet of lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
Not only does a thyme lawn provide sensory delight, but it also attracts pollinators, requires less water, and thrives in poor soils where grass often fails. Ready to make the switch? Follow these 7 simple steps to transform your grass into a red creeping thyme oasis.
1. Evaluate Your Site & Soil
Before diving into planting, assess whether your outdoor space is suitable for red creeping thyme. This hardy ground cover requires full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Creeping thyme also prefers well-draining soil, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Test your soil’s pH, aiming for a neutral to slightly alkaline range between 6.5 to 8.0. If necessary, amend the soil with compost or gritty material like sand to improve drainage.
While creeping thyme is tolerant of poor soils, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a thriving thyme lawn.
2. Remove Existing Grass
Converting a traditional lawn to a thyme carpet requires removing the grass – the most labor-intensive step in the process.
Start by mowing your lawn as short as possible. Then, choose one of three methods to eliminate the grass:
- Sheet mulching: Smother the lawn by covering it with layers of newspaper or cardboard, followed by a layer of compost or topsoil. This organic approach adds nutrients to the soil as the materials decompose.
- Sod removal: Manually remove the grass using a shovel or sod cutter, disposing of the strips in your green waste bin. This method allows you to plant thyme immediately but can be physically demanding.
- Herbicide application: For a quicker but less eco-friendly approach, apply a broad-spectrum herbicide to kill the grass. Wait two weeks before planting to ensure the herbicide has dissipated.
3. Plant Red Creeping Thyme
The best time to establish your red creeping thyme lawn is in early spring or fall, avoiding the intense heat of summer. You can grow creeping thyme from seed, but starting with young plants offers faster results.
Space your thyme plants or plugs about 8 inches apart, gently teasing out the roots before planting. Firm the soil around each plant and water thoroughly to help them settle. Don’t worry if there are gaps between the plants – creeping thyme will spread to fill in the spaces over time.
4. Water & Weed Regularly
During the first growing season, keep your newly planted thyme lawn consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage root development. As the plants mature, they become more drought-tolerant and require less irrigation.
Weeding is crucial in the early stages of establishing a creeping thyme lawn. Regularly remove any unwanted plants to prevent them from competing with the thyme for nutrients and space. Hand-pulling or spot-treating with a natural herbicide can help keep weeds at bay.
5. Embrace a Low-Maintenance Approach
One of the greatest joys of a red creeping thyme lawn is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike traditional grass lawns, thyme doesn’t require regular mowing, fertilizing, or extensive watering once established.
Avoid walking on your thyme lawn excessively, as it can damage the delicate foliage. If you need a pathway through the thyme, consider installing stepping stones to minimize impact. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty and aroma of your new ground cover.
6. Enjoy the Blooms & Buzz
In early to mid-summer, your red creeping thyme lawn will burst into a spectacular display of vibrant pink and magenta blooms. The flowers not only provide visual interest but also attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Delight in the gentle hum of these beneficial insects as they forage among the blossoms. By choosing a thyme lawn, you’re creating a haven for pollinators and supporting biodiversity in your outdoor space.
7. Prune for Optimal Health
While creeping thyme doesn’t require mowing, it benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its compact form and encourage fresh growth. Trim back any leggy or woody stems in early spring or after the flowering period in late summer.
Use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plants, and remove any dead or diseased foliage as needed. Regular pruning helps keep your thyme lawn looking tidy and healthy year after year.
Source:
1. Cornell Botanic Gardens
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.