One of the most useful kitchen herbs for stews, stuffings and bouquet garni. This aromatic, evergreen thyme will grow almost anywhere in containers, rock gardens, borders, and even cracks in paving. Ideal for creating low, matt forming groundcover that will attract bees to the tiny, pink blooms.

Sow seeds indoors 0.5cm deep, in February and March in small trays of compost and lightly cover the seeds with a sprinkling of compost. Prick out seedlings individually to 9cm pots, once large enough to handle. Grow on in cooler conditions , then gradually harden off plants in a cold frame before planting out after risk of frost has passed. Transplant to final positions 30cm apart or into larger containers, or grow a few in pots on a light windowsill all year round.

Alternatively sow direct outside in April and May into shallow seed drills. Direct sown seedlings can be thinned to 15cm apart then lifted and transplanted to final positions once large enough to handle.

Once established, thyme is reasonably drought tolerant and requires little attention. After flowering, cut back thyme plants to maintain compact bushy growth.