Herb Plant Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Transport Tips: Keep plants upright and shaded from direct sunlight or wind during transport.

 

Timing: Plant as soon as possible. If delayed, keep herbs in a sunny spot indoors or on a sheltered patio, and water as needed.

Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements: Most herbs prefer full sun (6+ hours daily). A few (like mint, parsley, and cilantro) tolerate part shade.

 

Space Considerations: Herbs can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, or containers. Keep taller herbs like rosemary and sage at the back and low-growing herbs like thyme and oregano at the front.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: Loose, well-draining soil with moderate fertility. Avoid overly rich soils for herbs like thyme or oregano.

 

Amending Tips: Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can reduce flavour.

 

Drainage: Crucial for root health. For heavy soil, grow in raised beds or containers with drainage holes.

Digging the Hole

Depth & Width: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Avoid planting too deep—match the soil level to the container level.

Planting the Herb

Handling Tips: Gently loosen roots before planting, especially if rootbound.

 

Backfilling: Use the original soil mix and water well after planting.

 

Mulching: Add a light layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid mulch near stems.

Watering

Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.

 

Ongoing Care: Daily for seedlings and containers during hot weather. 2–3 times a week for established herbs in the garden. Let soil dry slightly between watering, especially for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano.

 

Tip: Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew on leaves.

Feeding & Fertilizing

When to Start: Wait 2–3 weeks after planting.

 

Fertilizer Type: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks, or a slow-release balanced fertilizer sparingly.

 

Caution: Over-fertilizing reduces flavour and aroma—less is more.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Issues: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites.

Powdery mildew, root rot (from overwatering).

 

Prevention Tips: Water at soil level and space plants for air flow. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Harvest regularly to promote airflow and reduce pest hiding spots.

Deadheading & Pruning

When & How:

Regular harvesting = natural pruning!

Pinch or snip just above a leaf pair to encourage bushier growth. Remove flower buds (bolting) on herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro to prolong leaf production.

 

Tip: Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme) benefit from a trim mid-summer to keep them tidy.

Seasonal Care

Summer: Frequent harvesting keeps herbs productive. Watch for bolting and pests.

 

Fall: Harvest remaining leaves. Dry or freeze herbs to preserve. Some perennial herbs can be divided or potted up to overwinter indoors.

 

Winter Protection: Hardy perennials like chives, thyme, mint survive outdoors in Zone 5.

Tender perennials (like rosemary) should be moved indoors before frost. Use cloches or mulch for extra protection outside.

Overwintering

Indoors: Bring tender herbs inside to a sunny window before frost.

Use pots with drainage.

Reduce watering and avoid drafts.

 

Outdoors: Cut back hardy perennials and mulch around roots to insulate.

Container Care

Soil Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.

 

Pot Size: Use at least 6–12" pots with drainage holes.

 

Watering: Container herbs dry out faster—check daily in hot weather.

 

Feeding: Fertilize lightly every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.

 

Winter: Bring indoors or group pots together and insulate if overwintering outside.

Helpful Extras

Harvest Tips: Morning is best for peak oils and flavour.

 

Companion Planting: Herbs like basil, dill, and chives deter pests and attract pollinators.

 

Indoor Growing: Great for year-round use—use grow lights for best results.

 

Drying Herbs: Tie in small bundles and hang upside down in a dark, dry area.

 

Freezing Herbs: Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil for easy use.

BONUS: Herb -Specific Tips

Grow what you eat! Basil, parsley, thyme, and mint are customer favourites.

 

Container-friendly herbs include: thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, chives, mint, cilantro, rosemary.

 

Woody herbs like rosemary and sage make great landscape accents.

 

Herb bundles or themed planters (Pizza Garden, Tea Garden, etc.) are perfect gift ideas!