Creeping thyme is a perennial herb valued for its mat-forming growth habit and pleasant aroma. This low-growing plant is an excellent choice for softening the hard lines of a paver walkway or patio. It rarely exceeds three or four inches in height, which prevents it from becoming a tripping hazard while still creating a lush, green carpet between stones. The herb is notably resilient, tolerating light foot traffic and suppressing weeds, making it a functional and attractive ground cover. When the foliage is crushed underfoot, it releases a spicy, earthy fragrance, adding a sensory element to the landscape.
Selecting and Preparing the Site
Successful growth of creeping thyme begins with selecting a location that provides full sun, meaning the area should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. This herb thrives in hot, exposed areas and requires excellent drainage. If the area holds standing water after rain, the site is unsuitable without significant modification, as excessive moisture can quickly lead to root rot.
Before planting, the gaps between the pavers must be properly cleaned and assessed. Remove all existing debris, including old mortar, any weeds, and loose or compacted native soil. The ideal width for the paver joints should be at least one to two inches to accommodate the plant’s roots and allow for spreading. If the existing gaps are very narrow, some shallow excavation may be necessary to create a planting channel.
The soil mixture used to fill the gaps must prioritize drainage over fertility. Regular garden soil often compacts tightly between pavers, restricting oxygen and water flow, which is detrimental to thyme. A suitable planting medium can be created by mixing a small amount of compost with sharp grit, coarse sand, or fine gravel. This amended soil mixture should be poured into the gaps, leaving about a half-inch of space below the paver surface to prevent the soil from washing away and to accommodate the planting material.
Step-by-Step Planting Techniques
The most common and effective method for rapid coverage involves using small nursery plugs or divisions. These small plant starts provide an established root system, significantly decreasing the time required to fill the gaps compared to seeding. To prepare the plugs, use scissors or a sharp knife to carefully cut the flat into smaller, two-to-three-inch sections, ensuring each piece contains a healthy root mass.
Position these small plugs into the prepared gaps, gently teasing apart any tightly bound roots and ensuring they face downward into the amended soil. The plant should be set so that the crown—the point where the stems meet the roots—sits slightly above the surrounding soil level. Burying the crown can trap moisture and increase the risk of fungal disease, so it should remain exposed to the air. Gently firm the soil around the base of the plug to eliminate air pockets and secure the plant in place.
For optimal spreading and a dense mat, space the plugs approximately six to nine inches apart along the length of the paver joints. While planting closer will achieve a finished look faster, wider spacing allows the thyme’s trailing stems to root naturally as they spread. If the project budget is a concern, starting from seed is an alternative, though it demands more patience.
When planting seeds, lightly scatter them across the surface of the prepared soil in the gaps, then gently rake them in or dust them with a very thin layer of fine sand. Unlike plugs, which have established roots, seeds require constant moisture to germinate successfully. This method requires diligent attention to watering for several weeks until the tiny seedlings develop.
Establishing and Maintaining Thyme Between Pavers
Immediately following planting, a thorough and gentle watering is required to settle the soil around the roots. Use a watering can with a fine rose or a mist setting on a hose to prevent the newly placed soil or seeds from being washed out of the paver gaps. This initial moisture is vital for establishing the plants in their new environment.
For the first four to six weeks, it is necessary to maintain consistent moisture in the paver joints to encourage robust root growth. The soil should remain damp but never waterlogged. Once the creeping thyme shows signs of active growth and has visibly begun to spread, it can be considered established, and watering frequency should be significantly reduced.
Established creeping thyme is highly drought-tolerant and typically requires minimal supplemental watering, often thriving on rainfall alone. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to thin, weak growth or root rot. Foot traffic should be avoided entirely during the initial establishment period to allow the plants to develop a strong root base, but once fully established, it tolerates light treading well.
Weeds are the primary competitor during the establishment phase, so regular hand-weeding is necessary until the thyme forms a dense canopy. The spreading mat of foliage will eventually suppress most weed growth by blocking sunlight. To maintain a neat appearance and encourage the dense, flat growth desired between pavers, the thyme can be lightly sheared after its main flowering period. This light pruning removes legginess and prompts the plant to produce more lateral growth.