Bugs on Thyme

humphriess

Hi, I have a pot in the garden with some Thyme in it. That nearly died during the winter but has now come back. I have put a few new thyme seed in the same pot. Was this a stupid idea? Sorry rambling now - my question is that i keep finding baby slugs in the pot (even though the thyme seems unaffected), theres always loads of woodlice underneath it (even though i've moved it around) but worse of all today i found loads of little flies/bugs on top opf the soil. What can i do about these? Worried about being able to eat the thyme if i use chemicals????
Thanks in advance.

sobie

Sounds like very poor drainage, or overwatering as all of the pests mentioned like damp contions.
Is the pot raised off the floor? did you add plenty of crocks/ stones to the bottom of the pot? Is their adequate drainage holes in the pot?
Your compost definately needs replacing. The small gnats are possibly fruit flies which are usually a sign that the compost is a bit stagnant. (is there white fluff on the soil surface?)
Personally for the price of a small thyme plant or seeds I would throw this plant away and completely start again.
Raise your pot off the floor (on pot feet or bricks), rim the pot with vaseline (or use copper tape) to help prevent slugs. Place pot in the sunniest place of your garden!
Sobie

Lotus-eater

You will always get woodlice under a pot, it's where they live, so get used to it.
It's never a good idea to replant the same thing in the same soil, so get a new pot and compost, even better put the herb in the garden soil, it will be much happier.