How to Plant Thyme Ground Cover Plugs

Overview

Thyme plants are low-growing woody herbs that thrive in even nutrient-poor soils and on little water. These characteristics make them ideal for use as ground cover plants. When planting a large area with thyme, using plant plugs provides an economical solution for filling the area in as quickly as possible.

Step 1

Prepare the planting bed by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Amend the soil with compost and aged livestock manure if the soil is of poor quality or lacking organic material.

Step 2

Dig holes just slightly larger than the root mass of the plugs with a trowel. Place the thyme plugs at intervals of roughly 8 inches, burying the plugs so that the top of the root mass is level with the surrounding soil. Firm the displaced soil around the roots to secure the plug.

Step 3

Water the thyme plugs and surrounding soil well to settle them in the soil, ensure good root-to-soil contact and collapse any air pockets. Keep the soil moist until the new roots knit in and lightly moist thereafter.