It’s About Thyme
by CHRIS WINSLOW
If you find yourself in the role of ‘Family Chef’ several evenings a week, then why not emulate some of the great chefs of the world, and set up a little culinary herb garden that’s close to your kitchen door.
This is a surprisingly easy project to do, and fortunately for us central Texans, most of these culinary herbs thrive during the summer and winter months.
The list of these evergreen, winter-hardy herbs is extensive, and includes rosemary, parsley, cilantro, garden sage, lavender, winter savory, onion and garlic chives, Italian and Greek oregano… and thyme.
Pick a site close to your kitchen that gets lots of sunshine. It doesn’t need full sun all day, but aim for at least 5 to 6 hours.
One option would be to create a raised bed garden. A 4’ x 4’ square is large enough to grow at least 8 to 10 varieties.
Place taller plants, such as upright rosemary, toward the back and plant the shorter ones, such as creeping rosemary or thyme, to the side and front.
If the garden is viewed from all sides, put the taller rosemary in the middle surrounded by shorter varieties.
Sometimes having a garden plot close to the house isn’t an option. An easy solution can be found in containers. Herbs can be mix-planted in larger pots, or they can be individually planted in pots and displayed in groups.
Put some herbs in tall pots, some in medium pots and some in short pots. Displayed together, they will look beautiful.
Success with container gardening depends entirely on the quality of the soil you put in the pot.
Peat moss mixed with sand, perlite and vermiculite works best. With extra feeding with organic plant food, your herbs should grow with the minimum of effort. There are plenty of commercial mixes available at local nurseries that are designed for container growing.
Give growing herbs a try. It’s easier than you think and having fresh herbs available and close to the kitchen is – as Martha Stewart would say – ‘a good thing.’
Question: What kind of plants can I put in my pots this fall that are deer resistant?
– Don and Jeannine Inbody, Hays Country Oaks 2
Unfortunately deer love most of the winter annuals, especially pansies and violas. The only winter and spring blooming plants that deer dislike are snap dragons. However deer can’t stand the taste of most of the fragrant culinary herbs. They won’t touch rosemary, sage, oregano, lavender and thyme.
Happy herb gardening and Happy Thanksgiving!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
