Sow the tiny seeds thinly onto the surface of moist seed compost in spring. Don't bury them deeply - it's recommended to scatter them over the surface without covering them with compost.

Keep the compost lightly moist while the seeds germinate. Once seedlings appear, provide plenty of light and avoid overwatering.

Thyme grown from seed develops relatively slowly, so don't expect it to reach harvestable size as quickly as annual herbs such as basil.

Give thyme a warm, sunny position and very good drainage. It works particularly well in containers where drainage can be controlled.

Water young plants while they establish, but don't keep the compost permanently wet.

Once established, thyme is drought tolerant. Too much water is generally more troublesome than too little, especially in cold weather.

Once established, lightly trimming the plant after flowering can help keep it compact and bushy. Avoid cutting hard into old woody stems.

Snip young shoots whenever needed once the plant is established. Thyme is evergreen, although soft new growth in spring and summer generally provides the best harvest.

Thyme needs very little feeding. Rich conditions and excessive feeding aren't necessary for healthy growth.

Think sunny and free-draining. If thyme is struggling in wet compost, adding more water is unlikely to be the answer.