Thymus
Varieties - Numerous varieties
Common
(Garden) Thyme Thymus Vulgaris -
Details of other varieties will be
posted http://wangicommunitygarden.blogspot.com.au
Evergreen hardy perennial growing
20-30cm.
Propagation. Softwood cuttings Only a few Thymes such as Common Thyme propagate successfully from seed. Sow seeds in early spring. Take cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer.
Garden Cultivation Grow Thyme in any well drained soil. Trim after flowering to encourage new growth. Suitable varieties for a Thyme Lawn - Wooley thyme, Silver Thyme, Golden-tipped Thyme and Lemon Thyme
Companion Planting Boosts most nearby plants. Beneficial to borage, cabbage and roses. Deters cabbage worm. Attracts bees. Plant thyme as a ground cover in orchards to attract pollinating insects to fruit trees. Enhances flavour in strawberries and shallots
Harvest - Pick all year round. Pick leaves before flowering for culinary and medicinal uses. Flowers taste like the leaves only milder and a bit sweeter. Some leave a sharp tingle on the tongue. Use the flowers in place of minced leaves or as a garnish on soups, pasta, salads, dessert and in particular butter and sauces
For craft projects harvest thymes’
blooms while at their peak
Storage - Can be dried. Hang drying produces great results (cover with paper bag), frozen or place in vinegar or oil.
Culinary. Common, lemon, orange and caraway thyme are all used in cooking
Use Thyme in soups, sauces, jellies,
vinegars, oils, butters, bouquet garni and salt-free herb blends.
Medicinal - Respiratory complaints, mouthwashes, gargles, inhalations, skin conditions. Liniment with eucalyptus, marjoram or black pepper.
Thyme Tea may relieve headaches bought
on by tension or overtiredness
Qi tonic when prepared in alcohol or as
an essential oil.
Use a Thyme/White Vinegar mixture to
splash on insect bites. May also repel
insect.
Arts and Crafts
Thyme symbolises Strength and Courage
Use in wreaths, flower arrangements,
potpourris and garlands.
Contraindications
Avoid Medicinal use during pregnancy (uterine
stimulant) Avoid in hyperthyroidism.
Thyme
essential oil may have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes.
Further information
For recipes and more information on how to use Thyme go to:- http://wangicommunitygarden.blogspot.com.au
References
Website accessed on 21 November 2013 http://www.unclelukes.com/companion-planting/companion-planting-chart
Website accessed on 21 November 2013 http://www.westcoastseeds.com/topicdetail/topic/companion-planting/
“Herb Drying Handbook”, Blose, N. and
Cusick, D., 1993, Sterling Publishers, New York
“Herbs,
How to grow them, How to use them” Tomnay, S, 1988, Leisure Magazines,
Silverwater, Australia
“Herbal
Treasures”, Shaudys, Phyllis V., 1990, Garden Way Publishing, US
“Companion
Planting”, Franck, Gertrude, 1983, Thorsons Publisher Ltd, Munchen
“Jekka’s
Complete Herb Book” McVicar, J, 1995, Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd,
Rydalmere, Australia
“Basic
Companion Planting”, Bigwood, D.,1991, Shepp Books, Hornsby, Australia
‘Yates
Companion Planting Guide’ sourced on 21 November 2013 http://www.yates.com.au/vegetables/tips/companion-planting/
“The
Energetics of Western Herbs Vol 1” Holmes, P., 1997, Snow Lotus Press,
Boulder, USA
“Cooking with Thyme” Belsinger, S, The
Herb Companion Magazine, April/May 1997 Edition, Logan Chamberlain, USA
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