Tips For Growing Herbs in the Landscape or In Containers
Growing Locations:
- Ground beds – great companion plants, natural pest control
- Raised beds – max 4ft. wide, any length, & 1ft deep or deeper
- Containers – great for culinary herbs.
- 1 gallon of potting soil per herb
- container 12” deep or greater
- Terecotta containers are ideal
Cultural Requirements:
Good Drainage
- Amend top 12” of soil w/organic materials to increase drainage
- In containers use light soil-less mix
Lime
- Herbs like neutral pH 6.5-7
- Test soil to determine pH, general recommendation is 10-20 lbs per 100 ft2
- In containers, add ¼ cup of lime per gallon of soil, mix well
- Dolomitic lime is ideal – provides calcium & magnesium to herbs
Nutrients
- Fertilize every 2 weeks w/ water soluble fertilizer during growing season
- Use lowest recommended rate to encourage herbal flavor & aroma
Light
- Most herbs require 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day
Watering Tips:
- Watering too often can cause fungal infestations (wilting when soil is wet & stunted growth)
- Watering too little will cause wilting & scorching
- Water when the first 2” of soil is dry
- Water in early morning or evening
Pest Control:
- Scout for aphids, caterpillars & spider mites
- Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, 1 tsp. per gallon of water every 3-4 days until pests are gone
- Remove dead leaves to avoid fungal growth
Harvesting Tips:
- Regularly & gently prune plant tips to encourage branching & growth from the base
- Cut herbs in mid-morning before the sun wilts them
- Cut lightly during hot weather & during dormancy
- Don’t cut more herbs than you can handle at one time
Preserving Herbs:
Drying:
- Wash lightly w/ cold water, pat dry & lay flat in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Faster they dry the better color & flavor they will have
- Herbs dry in 3-7 days depending on humidity and leaf size
- Once dry, strip leaves from stems and store in air tight containers
Freezing:
- Wash lightly w/ cold water, pat dry, chop leaves into small pieces
- Mix herbs with just enough oil to bind them together ( 2 cups leaves to ½ cup oil)
- Pack into freezer bags or small containers and freeze
Commonly Grown Herbs:
Drought Tolerant:
Lavender, Catnip, Fennel, Oregano, Thyme & Rosemary
Herbs that prefer more moisture:
Basil, Borage, Chives, Dill, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley & Sage
Perennial Herbs:
Catnip, Catmint, Chives, Dill, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Sage,Tarragon & Thyme
Annual Herbs:
Basil, Cilantro & Rosemary
Written by: Jessica Groleau
Amherst Nurseries