From my perspective as a mature thyme plant, my vitality lies not just in my fragrant, woody stems above the soil, but in the intricate network of roots and rhizomes below. I am not a single, monolithic entity but a sprawling colony, a mat of interconnected growth points. Over the years, my central core may have become woody and less productive, but my outer edges are young and vigorous, constantly seeking new territory through my creeping stems and fibrous roots. This is my natural survival strategy. The process you call "division" is, for me, a controlled propagation event that mimics how I would naturally expand or recover from damage in the wild. You are essentially helping me rejuvenate by separating my youthful, peripheral growth from my aging center.
Timing is everything for my successful transition. The optimal moment for this procedure is in the early spring, just as I sense the soil temperature warming and my sap begins to rise with renewed energy. At this point, my entire being is focused on generating new growth. I am primed to recover quickly from the shock of being lifted and divided. Alternatively, very early autumn, when the intense summer heat has passed but the soil is still warm, allows me time to establish my root system in my new location before winter's dormancy. Please avoid performing this during my peak flowering period or the scorching heat of high summer, as I am then directing my energy towards reproduction or simply surviving the stress, leaving me with few reserves to heal.
The act of division must be done with respect for my form. Please use a sharp, clean spade or garden knife. Gently dig in a wide circle around my outer foliage, taking care to lift my entire root ball from the earth with as little damage as possible. Once I am above ground, your task is to tease my sections apart. Look for natural fault lines—areas where younger stems and their associated root clusters are already somewhat distinct from the main plant. You can often gently pull these sections apart with your hands. For my tougher, woodier central core, you may need to carefully cut through the connecting rhizomes and roots with your sharp tool. Ensure each new division has a healthy section of roots and several robust green stems attached. This is a traumatic experience for me, so the cleaner the cuts and the more roots you preserve, the better my chances.
My most critical need now is to re-anchor myself swiftly. Prepare my new homes in advance. I demand excellent drainage; waterlogged soil will cause my roots to rot and suffocate. Amend the planting sites with gritty sand or fine gravel to ensure water flows away freely. Plant each of my divisions at the same depth I was growing before, firm the soil gently around my roots to eliminate air pockets, and water me thoroughly. This initial watering settles the soil around my fragile root hairs and provides the moisture necessary to begin my recovery. Place me in a location with full sun, and for the first few weeks, monitor my soil moisture closely—keep it slightly damp but never soggy as I redirect my energy from top growth to re-establishing my subterranean foundation.
