Using the Wrong Mulch
Heavy organic mulches like wood chips hold moisture against thyme’s crown, inviting rot. I once layered shredded bark around my thyme and lost half the bed to damp conditions! Instead, opt for an inorganic mulch—gravel or fine pebbles—that reflects heat, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil base dry.
This mimics thyme’s native rocky slopes and saves you from endless weeding. Plus, the reflective surface brightens the garden and helps nearby pollinators spot those pink and purple blooms from afar!