How do I keep my herbs alive?
Question:Every plant I have had so far has died, even though I follow instructions to look after it!
Answers:
Do not buy from a super market unless you intend to use within a short time. Home grown taste far far better.
Get the plants from a good nursery or on the web.
Basil is an annual (unfortunally prone to greenfly). Parsley is normally grown as an annual but if sown early Summer it can provide a good crop well into Spring (in some area it may benefit from some protection such as a cold greenhouse). Thyme Chives and Mint are as tough as old boots. Grow some in pots and take them int the house to bring on, or in a cold or heated greenhouse. Replant(pot) every other year.
Good luck.
depends what type you bought - the ones from supermarkets dont have roots so will die within a couple of weeks - best bet is garden center usually only 99p each - plant them in a tub or garden and just water, some will die off in the winter but will come back in the spring. just one thing though, dont plant mint in with the others, the roots spread really quickly and will choke the others, always put in a seperate pot - hope this helps - cheers
Specifically, you are lacking some details that help to diagnose the issue!
Generally, herbs need plenty of sunshine and water in order to thrive! Indoors are possible with some not all herbs and full sun exposure south facing window is a must! Feed them with a basic ferilizer like miracle grow or plant prod if necessary, and make sure they never dry out!
The soil pH is very important, you can get a tester at the local farm & garden store! Be sure nut to over fertalize , or over water! I have found that my herbs do NOT prefer full sun all day! So try a sun to shade spot! Also if you bought these plants together they may be diseased. Realy need more info to diagnose! good luck!
I've grown my herbs from seed this year and they are doing very well.
I make sure I have a loose soil (miracle gro with moisture retainer).
I have some inside in a west window in a window box large enough to accomodate root growth and under a flourescent lamp - the others are outside in a large pot with the same soil - I use the low dose plant food you mix with water and feed them once a month..the outside plants are not in direct sun but facing south next to my house so that they get plenty of light.
Perhaps yours are in too much sun without enough root spreading space.and they do need to keep moist but not drenched.
This is my first time with herbs and I was so successful that I gave many window boxes away for mother's day..you can too with these tips
Perhaps you are lavishing your herbs with too much attention.
Herbs generally thrive on neglect (that's why I love them)
Many people make the mistake of over watering or overfeeding them.
If you have them growing in a pot, check the moisture level by pushing your finger into the potting mix, if it is cold, then there is enough moisture in the pot, so don't water it. Over watering causes diseases, particularly in potted plants, diseases such as fungal rots.
If you are growing them outside in the garden, make sure you are growing plants that have the same requirements such as water, shade, fertiliser, and wind protection together. Doing this ensures that when you feed or water them, they are all getting the correct (?) measure.
Without giving specific instances, it is difficult to advise.
I hope some of this was useful to you. Good luck
You naughty boy. What "herbs are they?"
Thyme should come back every year as it is a perennial. However, it needs plenty of drainage, such as grit, in the planting hole and when you put the plant in place put more grit around the neck of the plant as they do not like to get wet.
Do not overwater basil and take off any flower heads that form.
Mint should grow very easily you will find that it will over run your garden if you are not careful.
Tell more how and where in the garden do you have the herbs?
I hope we are not talking about those growing herbs from the supermarket. If you are then you have no chance. They are the biggest con ever to be perpetuated on the great, gullible British public. They are immature seedlings crammed into a pot and sold at massively inflated prices. Useless, tasteless and yet another example of the supermarkets ripping us off.
Hello fellow gardener. To start with, where have you positioned them? Are they happy or not ?If not, then what position are they in or facing ? ideally getting the sun from the east early morning sheltered by lunch time and then with full sunshine in the afternoon and evening is best for them.
If you have to, then repodition in a new area and reap the benefits...
Where are you keeping them? They are outdoor plants,so if you keep them indoors they will die.
I keep mine either in the herb garden or in big pots.Water when dry, feed every now and then and chop back at end of the year. Simple!
I am a qualified horticulturalist! However, anyone can grow herbs.I have to say though that the only herb u should keep on your kitchen window is Basil. Slugs luv it!
Just take my advice and do not grow herbs indoors, it's not worth it.You will spend so much money on the plants. Just get a packet of seeds, follow instructions and grow outside. You will get a bigger and better crop, cost less and more satisfaction will be had.
If it's winter time though and u need some herbs in a hurry, even I buy from the the shop.That is so rare though.
Good on you for trying to grow them.I think everyone should try and grow their own. Even if it's on a balcony. They don't take much looking after and they taste nicer than dried!
Hope this has helped.
Good luck.
smoke 'em and keep Jah alive
More Related Questions & Answers...