When to Transplant English Thyme

New Planting Site

• The new planting site needs to be selected and prepared before transplanting time. It must have a full-sun exposure, where the English thyme will get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The soil has to drain quickly. Slow-draining soil will usually cause English thyme to develop root rot. Gravelly, sandy or sandy loam soil is preferred. A 3- to 6-inch depth of well-aged manure, compost or peat along with course builder’s sand or perlite can be mixed into the top 10 to 12 inches of heavy clay soil to improve drainage, or a raised bed could be constructed.

Transplant in Spring

• English thyme is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It is often grown from seeds planted directly in the garden in the spring about one month before the last expected hard frost. For a head start, especially in colder climates, the seeds are started indoors four weeks before the last expected hard frost. The resulting seedlings are planted outdoors after the last hard frost of the spring. English thyme seedlings should be adjusted to outdoor conditions gradually over two to three weeks before planting them outdoors in the garden. Begin setting them outdoors in the shade for the day and gradually increase the direct sun exposure until they become accustomed to six hours of direct sunlight. Established English thyme plants that simply need to be moved to a new location can also be transplanted at this time.

Transplant in Fall

• In areas located in warmer USDA zones 7 to 9, seedlings and established English thyme plants should be transplanted in the fall. The seeds can be started three months before the first expected frost in the area. Harden off the seedlings when temperatures begin to cool in the fall and plant them in the garden six to eight weeks before the first expected hard frost.

Transplanting Seedlings and Mature Plants

• English thyme seedlings and transplants should be planted 1 foot apart in their new location and no deeper than they were growing previously. Established English thyme plants can be lifted with a dirt shovel or gardening fork. Loosen the soil by digging the shovel or garden fork into the soil 6 inches away from the stems in a circle around the plant. The plant should then lift easily when the shovel or garden fork is pushed all the way into the soil and pushed up under the roots. Keep the rootball as intact as possible and transplant it immediately. Transplanted English thyme plants should be watered during the first growing season when the top of the soil becomes dry.