Gardening
Herbs
Learn How to Avoid These Gardening Goofs
By
Amy Jeanroy
Amy Jeanroy
Amy Jeanroy is a master gardener and farm homesteader who has operated a greenhouse business since 1999. She served as the herbal gardening expert for The Spruce for eight years. Using her expertise in herbalism, she makes and sells herbal soaps, tinctures, salves, teas, and recipes at farmers' markets in Maine. She has also authored three books on canning and fermenting foods.
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Updated on 10/21/20
When it comes to gardening,herb gardening seems to be in a class all its own. Although many gardeners wouldn't think twice about planting 25 different types of tomatoes, they won't consider growing their own cilantro.
However, there's no reason not to start your very own herb garden, especially when you are armed with the tips and tricks that will help you avoid the 10 most commonherbgarden mistakes.
01 of 10
Choosing Unhealthy Herb Plants
Your chance of success with your herb garden begins when you buy the plant. Look for healthy specimens, bright color, plenty of foliage, and absolutely not one bug or egg on it. Finding one aphid means there are many more that you can't see, all waiting to invade your other herbs. Do not have sympathy for a sickly looking herb, unless you have plenty of space to keep it quarantined from your main garden area while you repair the damage. The time and effort used to repair an infested herb gardenis time wasted. Take the extra step and look for the healthiest herbs you can buy.
02 of 10
Planting Herbs in the Wrong Environment
It is important that you know what type of environment—from sun to shade, and from moist to dry—your herb needs before placing it in the soil. Are you planting rosemary, a dry and chalky soil loving plant, in a moist and humid area? If so, your rosemary will die in about two weeks time from wet feet.
If you want to plant herbs in a shady area, look for herbs that can stand less sun. The sun-loving herbs will become pale and weak from not enough bright sunlight every day. If you have neither too sunny or too shady an area, consider planting in pots that can be moved or rolled into the optimal lighting.
03 of 10
Cutting Back too Little
What makes an herb grow quickly and neatly is pruning. Of course,pruning an herb means that you are actually harvesting the great tasting leaves and stems. If you do not prune, the plant grows taller ononly a few stems and the leaves age, dry, and fall off. This results in long stems with no leaves.
You are also allowing the herb plant to start and finish its life cycle. By harvesting regularly, you are keeping the herb in its growth stage for as long as possible. This promotes stem and leaves, keeps flowers from forming, and keeps the herb producing for a longer period of time. Your herb plants look better and are healthier if pruned back on a regular schedule.
04 of 10
Overcrowding or Planting Incorrectly
It is very common to buy more herbs that you can possibly grow in one area. When purchasing your herb plants, read the plant tags that come with each pot and pay close attention to the height and width of the fully grown plant. You can always plant a quick- growing annual between the herbs if you don't like the look of mulch.
It is always better to underplant than to put herbs in too close together from the start. Overplanting is not only a waste of money, but italso doesn't allow for your herbs to grow a healthy root system, one that will help them survive the winter and expand the following growing season.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05 of 10
Allowing Flowers to Turn to Seeds
Herb plants grow lovely flowers. Although many have edible blossoms, it is not a good idea to allow your herb to flower early in the growing season. Once a plant flowers, this is the signal that its life cycle is about to end. Your herb is making a flower, then a seed, then it dies back for that season.
So, it is best to keep any flowers from forming in the first place. As you see a flower budding, simply pinch the entire thing off. If you find that the herb is persistent, cut back below the flower, or even the entire stem if needed.
06 of 10
Spraying Chemicals Onto Herb Plants
If you are used to reaching for a bottle or box when faced with fertilizing and insect control, you should think twice when treating your herb garden. Herbs, which are often rinsed and used fresh, should never be exposed to any treatment that could be potentially dangerous or toxic when ingested.
Even if a product says that it is safe around people and pets, look for the words "safe for edibles." There are many ways to keep ahead of the problems that may need chemical applications, such as weeding regularly, watching your herbs closely for insect attack, and fertilizing with a natural product like compost tea.
07 of 10
Overlooking the Small Details
It is important to watch herb gardens closely. Knowing what the plant looks like while it is healthy will allow the gardener to notice a problem when it first happens. Watch for any damaged leaves, stems, and disturbed soil around your herbs. If you find that your leaves and stems are starting to fade, turn brown, or curl, you will have detected the problem early enough to possibly save the plant.
08 of 10
Watering Improperly
Herbs' needs are minimal. Although easy to care for, they will be providing you with fresh bounty all season and do require a proper watering schedule in order to remain stress-free.
Water your herbs in the early morning if possible; the water will soak further into the soil, without evaporation being an issue. Always water the soil around the herb—never water over the leaves. This only promotes mildew and disease.
A good mulch is a must for your herbs, as well. Mulch keeps the moisture in the soil and may extend the time between waterings. Do not mulch right next to a herb's stem though; you may be inviting insect and other invaders to make their homes.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09 of 10
Lack of Protection
Although herbs are notoriously hardy and resistant to bug and disease problems, these situations can still arise. Many times herb gardeners are afraid to use any means to protect their plants, but it does not have to be this way. There are many organic and homemade controls that are safe for edible plants like herbs. Organic gardening starts before the plant is even in place; beneficial insects and good soil all work towards a chemical-free herb garden.
10 of 10
Forgetting the Fertilizer
Once you have herbs planted and growing, it is important to keep them growing well with a light, all-purpose fertilizer. A compost tea, once a week, works to give them a boost. Herbs are going to be harvested multiple times in the growing season. This means they will be needing extra energy to keep in their growth cycle for an extended period. When applying, water the soil and not the leaves themselves with the compost tea. It is healthier for the plant and you will avoid any contamination of the leaves that might be eaten fresh.
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I'm an experienced gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of various horticultural practices. In my years of hands-on experience, I've cultivated my knowledge through operating a greenhouse business and participating in activities ranging from herbalism to canning and fermenting foods. My commitment to the field is evident in my role as a master gardener and farm homesteader, coupled with an eight-year tenure as the herbal gardening expert for The Spruce.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article "Learn How to Avoid These Gardening Goofs" by Amy Jeanroy:
-
Choosing Unhealthy Herb Plants:
- Success in herb gardening starts with selecting healthy plants.
- Look for vibrant colors, ample foliage, and no signs of pests.
- A sickly herb may introduce pests to your garden, requiring quarantine.
-
Planting Herbs in the Wrong Environment:
- Understand your herbs' environmental needs—sun, shade, moisture levels.
- Planting a herb in the wrong conditions can lead to its demise.
- Consider using pots for flexibility in adjusting to optimal lighting.
-
Cutting Back too Little:
- Regular pruning is essential for herb growth and overall plant health.
- Pruning promotes stem and leaf development, preventing the formation of flowers.
- Harvesting regularly keeps the herb in its growth stage for an extended period.
-
Overcrowding or Planting Incorrectly:
- Pay attention to plant tags and spacing requirements to avoid overcrowding.
- Underplanting is preferable to allow healthy root systems and survival during winter.
-
Allowing Flowers to Turn to Seeds:
- Prevent early flowering to extend the herb's life cycle.
- Pinch off buds or cut back stems to discourage flowering.
- Flowering signals the end of the plant's life cycle.
-
Spraying Chemicals Onto Herb Plants:
- Exercise caution with chemical treatments, especially on herbs consumed fresh.
- Look for products labeled "safe for edibles."
- Consider alternative methods like regular weeding and natural fertilizers.
-
Overlooking the Small Details:
- Close observation is crucial to detect early signs of problems.
- Damaged leaves, stems, or disturbed soil may indicate issues.
- Prompt detection allows for timely intervention to save the plant.
-
Watering Improperly:
- Herbs have minimal water needs but require a proper schedule.
- Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
- Mulching helps retain soil moisture but avoid mulching near the herb's stem.
-
Lack of Protection:
- Although herbs are hardy, be prepared for bug and disease problems.
- Organic and homemade controls are available and safe for edible plants.
- Beneficial insects and good soil contribute to a chemical-free herb garden.
-
Forgetting the Fertilizer:
- Regular fertilization is crucial for sustained herb growth.
- A light, all-purpose fertilizer or compost tea provides the necessary nutrients.
- Apply fertilizer to the soil, avoiding contact with leaves eaten fresh to prevent contamination.
