Planting

• When planting woolly thyme, you will need to first amend the soil as necessary and dig in some organic fertilizers, such as compost or peat moss. Woolly thyme will grow best in full sun, but is tolerant of part shade and even full shade conditions, although it may not be as vigorous in full shade. It should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. Although woolly thyme is tolerant of frost, as with all new plants that have not yet adjusted to their environment, it does not like to be shocked. If possible, it should be allowed a whole growing season to establish itself before it has to do battle with the harsh demands of winter.
  
  

Care

• Woolly thyme is a popular choice of ground cover because it is very decorative and hardy, so much so that it tolerates being walked on repeatedly. It is considered a "creeping thyme" and can grow perfectly well without fertilization. If you do choose to fertilize it, liquid plant food or fish fertilizer is recommended for best results.
  
  

Habits

• As your woolly thyme grows, you will notice that it will begin to spread. Each plant can spread by as much as 6 inches, and after the first growing season, you can divide your existing plants to spread them out and allow them to grow even farther. Woolly thyme also produces seeds every season that can be planted, or you can purchase them from garden shops, catalogs and websites. It does not grow to be very tall, instead preferring to creep along the ground as it grows.
  
  Woolly thyme should not be confused with its relative, Thymus vulgaris---the culinary thyme plant. Woolly thyme does not have much scent or flavor, and does not really have a place in cooking. It is not poisonous, however, but it is also not very tasty. If you prefer to be able to use your thyme in cooking, you might try planting Thymus vulgaris in one area of your garden. Thymus vulgaris is not usually used as ground cover because it can grow up to 12 inches tall, in addition to spreading like its other relatives in the thyme family.