When growing thyme, success not only depends on the right location and soil conditions, but also on the right fertilizer. However, the hunger artist thyme may only be fertilized sparingly, as oversupply can cause the plants to rot and even die.
How should you fertilize thyme for optimal growth?
Thyme should be fertilized sparingly to avoid oversupply. In the garden: Apply lime and compost in spring. Potted thyme: Use herbal fertilizer every four to six weeks from March to August and add lime in spring.
Make sure you have the right nutrient composition
Commercial complete fertilizers mainly contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - components that are essential for plant growth. But nitrogen in particular should only be used carefully, because it causes the plants to “grow into growth” quickly, but it also means they are quickly over-fertilized. Thyme planted in the garden basically doesn't need fertilizing at all, apart from one or two doses of lime and compost at the beginning of the growing season.
Prefer organic fertilizer
Lime in particular - as with many Mediterranean plants - is important for the growth of thyme and should therefore be incorporated into the soil in spring, before new sprouts. Fresh compost is also very suitable for enriching the garden soil with nutrients. However, it is better not to use complete fertilizer or nitrogen-rich manure.
Fertilize thyme in the pot
In contrast to garden thyme, thyme in the pot cannot supply itself with sufficient nutrients, which is why regular fertilization is essential. But here too it is important not to exaggerate. Fertilize your balcony or patio plants about every four to six weeks with diluted complete fertilizer. However, special herbal fertilizer is even more suitable, the composition of which has been optimized to the needs of Mediterranean herbs. Start fertilizing carefully from around March / April and slowly increase the doses. However, fertilization should no longer be carried out by mid-August at the latest so that the plants can prepare for winter. Potted thyme should also be supplied with lime at the beginning of the growing season.
Tips & Tricks
As soon as the leaves of the thyme turn light green to yellowish, but the veins become prominent, there is most likely an iron deficiency. You can fix this with a commercially available iron fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon). On the other hand, curled or dying leaves are usually an indication of a lack of trace elements, e.g. B. Boron. A special fertilizer can help.
