The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Herbs => Topic started by: quixoticgeek on March 01, 2015, 06:04:25 pm

Title: Rescuing Woody Thyme
Post by: quixoticgeek on March 01, 2015, 06:04:25 pm

I have a container with 2 thyme plants and a rosemary plant. The rosemary is doing lovely, and the thyme plants have been doing great, but they are getting quite woody. With the greenery limited to the ends of a twiggy interior.

Is there a way I can rescue this Thyme? Can I prune it back to reinvigorate it?

Thanks

Julia

Title: Re: Rescuing Woody Thyme
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 01, 2015, 06:22:59 pm

Might be worth cutting it back hard with the exception of a couple of stems near the midddle, which will pull up the sap - these can be cut back when the plant is bushy again.

Title: Re: Rescuing Woody Thyme
Post by: Fleecewife on March 01, 2015, 08:06:59 pm

Another thing you can try when you cut back is to leave a few of the long side shoots and pin them down just below the surface of moist compost in pots.  They should have rooted by the summer then you'll have several new plants.
When you cut woody plants right back there is always the risk that you will lose them, but it's worth a try.
If they survive, then cut them back every winter to keep them neat.