زعتر ألماني

We have long hoped the day would come when we could have an excuse to put a garden gnome on a seed pack. Although gnomes are often a tacky afterthought or companion to a plastic pink flamingo, they have a long and distinguished history tough garden helpers. The perfect figure(ine) for this pack, diminutive clay garden gnomes originated in Germany in the 1800s. What’s more, both Gnomes and thyme are known for their abilities to ward off danger. Gnomes are protectors in the garden, and thyme was long believed to be an antidote for poison and a preventer of plague. But most of all, thyme is associated with courage, as depicted by our gnome bravely fighting off an intruding squirrel.

Start thyme indoors 8 weeks before last frost by seeding clusters of 5-10 seeds together on top of the soil, pressing them in and watering them in lightly. Keep moist, but not wet. Transplant outdoors when seedlings are 3″ high, spaced at least 6″ apart. (Thyme does not mind some crowding.) Harvest the upper green growth and prune back flowering stalks to promote more green growth.