Lynnguistics - Watering And Fertilizing Herbs

WATERING & FERTILIZING HERBS

Watering and fertilizing all herbs at once on an arbitrary schedule may give too much to one herb yet not enough for it's neighbor to survive. The most effective schedule is to observe individual plants and give them what they require when they require it. Track fertilizing times on the plant marker.

For most herbs, one half-strength fertilizer feeding at planting - or at the beginning of the growing season for established plants - is enough. Organic matter - compost, rotted manure or leaf mold - improves drainage and air circulation in heavy clay soils and helps retain moisture and nutrients in light , sandy soils. Add a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen for green leaves, phosphorous for flowers and growth and potash for roots. Follow the label directions carefully. Herbs established in good soil may not need any additional nutrients. In richly fertilized soils, herb plants will be lush and attractive, but weak in fragrance and flavor.

Once established, herbs often thrive on limited amounts of water. An essential requirement for most herbs is well-drained soil, as water remaining near the roots can foster rot. Thin, sandy soils drain faster than heavy clay soils. In general, over-watering is more of a problem to herbs than under- watering. When watering , water thoroughly to develop a deep, strong root system.

For herbs that require dry soil, allow the ground to dry completely between waterings. For herbs that prefer average moisture, water as soon as the surface of the soil is dry. For those that require abundant moisture, keep the soil evenly moist.

Each spring add mulch around the base of each herb plant. The best mulch choices are rice hulls, straw and compost. Commercial mulches are available. Mulch keeps roots moist, decreases their water need and helps maintain soil moisture and temperature levels.