Is my herb gardening unhealthy? Herb gardens are easy to start, require little maintenance and can be grown almost anywhere. They add a bit of color to the yard as well as spice up the meals you prepare. But just like any other hobby, herb gardening has its ups and downs.
The most obvious sign of an unhealthy herb garden is the presence of black mold, commonly called black rot. Black mold is prevalent in many kinds of herbs. A good example would be red clover, an herb with very high moisture content. If you have black mold in your herb garden, it’s likely that your plants are also affected. In fact, it may even be too late before you notice anything, because the spores from the contaminated plants will have already spread to your garden.
Another common problem is over planting. If you are planting herbs for the first time, don’t worry. Over planting is not nearly as harmful as under planting, but still, over planting can have some serious consequences. Planting too many seeds in one hole can lead to the roots being smothered between the soil and the roots of the herbs. This can quickly kill the herbs and can prevent them from germinating fully.
It’s best to plan your herb planting schedule in advance. Make sure that you plant all of your herbs at least four to six weeks apart. Don’t plant herbs together if you can help it. It can cause a lot of problems, including botanical and fungal diseases, to your herbs.
When you transplant, don’t put the plant directly into your flowerpot. Put the plant upside down in a pot or potting soil bag. Make sure that the soil bags you purchase are made specifically for transplanting. You should also buy a spade to dig up your ground so that you don’t risk breaking the roots of your newly transplanted plant.
I know all about watering your herbs. But your question might be, “Do I need to water my herbs?” Most definitely, but you should only water your herbs every other day when the soil is dry. Too much water can drown your plants.
Finally, let’s talk about bugs. As with any type of garden, herb gardening has its share of pests. Common bugs you will run into are grubs, snails, caterpillars, beetles, leafhoppers, praying mantis, and aphids. Each of these can be a serious problem to your herb garden. To avoid them, be sure to check your soil for conditions each week before you plant anything. This will help you plan the best way to control and prevent problems.
My last question in the series is, “Is my herb gardening unhealthy?” The answer is yes. Don’t over-water your herbs. Check your soil regularly, and make sure to mulch in between your plants. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure.
Another thing that many people overlook is fertilizer. Just like you wouldn’t use too much fertilizer when you’re trying to grow vegetables, you should never use too little fertilizer when you’re growing herbs. A good rule of thumb is to add a quarter cup of fertilizer per square foot of herb. In addition, you should water your herbs well after each watering, as excess watering can cause your herbs to become too wet and drown.
Another important thing to remember is that herbs do not like being crowded. Herbs like the privacy and space-to-grow. If you’re trying to grow herbs in an area where other plants are taking over, be sure to place them in a shaded area or plant them far apart. Herbs thrive in a controlled environment, so if you’re growing herbs for your own consumption, be sure to harvest them only when their leaves have turned yellow. This is also a great way to ensure that your herbs don’t become too woody.
Many people also assume that herbs will grow just about anywhere. Truthfully, it depends upon the type of herb and its location. If you want your herbs to grow wild, in the open air, be sure to plant them in a container before you bring them outside. If you’re planting them in your yard, be sure to plant them away from fences and walls to prevent deer from getting to them. It’s a good idea to dig a hole for your herbs in the soil, but be sure that it is deeper than your herbs will grow in.
As you can see, there is no clear-cut answer to the question “Why is my herb gardening unhealthy?” However, by being aware of the things you need to do to maintain the health of your garden, herbs will live a long, healthy life. Plus, your family will love eating fresh herbs throughout the year. Happy growing!