Growing Thyme

I would like to grow thyme for seasoning. Will it stand our severe winters? (Western New York.) There are many varieties of the common thyme that may be used in the herb garden. The greatest menace to thymes during the winter is not so much cold as wetness. Wet crowns, caused by snow, will winterkill. One of the means of preventing this is to grow on rather poor soil, containing gravel or screened cinders. Do not feed in summer to force growth, and do not cut tops after September 1. A cold frame is an excellent place to keep thyme over the winter, where it will be dry. Otherwise, covering the plants with boxes to keep the snow off will help materially. Be certain their position is well drained to begin with. Seeds and plants are available from most houses listing herbs.

How can I grow common thyme? What soil? Shade? Sun? (Massachusetts.) It is best grown on a light, well-drained soil. If the soil is inclined to heaviness, work in screened cinders or gravel. Seeds can be sown in early spring outdoors, or early in pots indoors. Transplant seedlings 6 ins. apart. When growth is advanced, do not water much; omit fertilizer, as this tends to force soft growth that will winterkill. Do not cut foliage after September 1, as this depletes vitality. Winter protection is given by covering with light evergreen boughs, or by using brushwood with a light covering of marsh or salt hay. Lift and divide every 2 or 3 years. Grow in full sun.

Will you name several creeping thymes for planting in steps and paths? Mother-of-thyme (Thymus serpyllum); caraway thyme (T. herba-barona); woolly stem thyme (T. lanicaulis); common thyme (T. vulgaris).