Home Garden

How to Handle Root Rot on Thyme

Thyme is a wonderful addition to any garden, with its attractive appearance and culinary practicality. Thyme is generally quite hardy and easy to maintain. However, thyme is susceptible to root rot, particularly in humid climates, poorly drained soil or overwatered soil, although thyme thrives in poor soil with excellent drainage, according to BonniePlants.com.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden gloves
  • Copper fungicide (optional)
  • Builder's sand or limestone gravel (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the soil around the base of the thyme plant. Remove any accumulated dead leaves.

    • 2

      Remove any dead or yellow leaves from the herb plant.

    • 3

      Spray the plant with a copper fungicide if the root rot is particularly widespread.

    • 4

      Plant thyme in raised beds to encourage proper drainage.

    • 5

      Avoid overwatering, and be particularly careful if you live in a humid climate. Thyme prefers poor soil but is almost sure to develop root rot if the soil is too moist.

    • 6

      Mulch with builder's sand or limestone gravel to improve drainage.

    • 7

      Ensure that your thyme is in full sun and that the soil pH is around 7.0.