Maybe it needs some fertilizer?

Regular garden thyme does not need to be fertilized, requires well-drained soil, doesn't need much water (especially in generally moist locations like NY State), and needs full-sun.

I would think too much water and/or poor draining soil to be the culprit.

FataMorgana

thanks. and how would i know if the soil is 'well draining'? I know that when I water it, I can see the water drain through and then come out the bottom....the water doesn't just sit up on the top... so I guess that means then that the soil is well-draining?

I likely filled the pot with an organic potting soil mix.....

Have you looked for spider mites?

I have Thyme in a pot and it needs a good deal more water then thyme in the ground. With our triple digits this summer I've had to water it - and everything else - daily.

Thanks...that's most helpful. I was quite sure it had to be that I was grossly over- or under-watering the plant....that is either needed very occasional watering (a la rosemary) or lots of watering. I don't think I've ever watered it multiple days in a row, so now I'll give that a try. I'm also on a 4th floor balcony (which is something new for me) and I'm realizing as more time passes just how much the wind on a 4th floor balcony can affect the plants and make them dry out faster....

I have a large pot of Thyme on my patio in full sun. The pot is one of the self watering types. The Thyme plant loves this arrangement, and will completely take up the water from the reservoir every day. Sometimes, I water twice daily when the temps stay in the upper 90's. Since your plant is in a container and is being watered daily, or frequently, you will need to fertilize it (I understand others may disagree, it's what has worked best for me). I use a liquid fertilizer every two - three weeks during the growing season, and this method has produced a very happy and healthy Thyme plant.

Tx. Ok so sounds like I definitely need to water more and maybe give it some fish fertilizer.

What do you think would happen if I cut back all the plant...might that stimulate better/new growth? What's there right now is a bit 'sparse' and just not very healthy looking... most of the leaves are a washed-out green with bits of yellow and brown...not that nice rich green that thyme is known for....

I am seeing some newer growth down at the base of the plant and it does have that nice rich green color....

It looks like you are using bark chips as mulch. That could be part of your problem. You might want to try a few pebbles instead.

For some reason bark mulch can be a problem for some plants.

Thyme likes it fairly dry (wait to water until the soil is almost dry) but for some reason seems to like a mulch of small pebbles or gravel. I think a rock mulch stays drier and protects the plant better from soil moisture.