As mentioned earlier, thyme has antiseptic, disinfectant, and bacterial properties. Lawyers and judges wore similar masks when visiting prisons. Thyme was burned as a fumigator, and it was still used in hospital wards in World War I. Thyme is easy to grow. Locate in well-drained soil and full sun. It actually thrives in poor, dry sites.
Problems can occur in heavy soils or where gardeners water plants too frequently.
One insect pest that can pose a problem is red spider mite. Regular scouting and appropriate control measures should keep population levels in check. Some species may need replacement every few years because their centers become woody and open. Winter injury occurs on the woody species, requiring trimming in the spring, which is not unlike many other woody perennials. The most commonly used species include Thymus praecox ssp.