Growing different herbs is not only good for the planet; it’s also a fun and easy way to try your hand at gardening. Herbs are very low maintenance, so if you are a beginner, these are the best plants to get a taste of gardening.
Although easy to grow, herbs do have specific watering needs. To keep your herbs thriving, here are some watering tips to remember.
Watering Tips for Herbs
- Don’t water like a potted plant at home
Different plants have different watering needs. One thing to remember when growing herbs is to never think of them as houseplants. Although they have many similarities, herbs have their own sensitivities as far as watering is concerned. They hate standing water or wet soil. To make sure you water your herbs properly, only water when the soil is dry. Especially for herbs that are seeds or seedlings, watering must be strictly controlled to ensure they do not drown.
When it comes to watering tools, small watering cans are a good choice. Or hand sprayers, they can keep the soil of herbs moist without overwatering.
- Water herbs that like moisture more often
There are also herbs that like moisture, and they need lots and lots of water. If they are in garden soil, they need half a liter of water per square foot of soil per week. If in pots, water herbs once or twice a day, especially during the summer months. Always check for excess water in the soil before watering herbs.
- Watering needs for indoor herbs
If grown indoors, most herbs must be watered every two to three days. This can be determined by the moisture content of the soil. Feel the surface of the soil with your hand and if it feels dry, then the herb needs to be watered. If the weather is hot or dry, you may need to water more frequently.
- Watering in the early morning
Morning is the best time to water any plant grown outside, not just herbs. More precisely, it’s around 6 to 6:30 a.m., when the sun is just rising. Don’t wait until the sun is at its fullest, as the roots need to absorb as much water as possible before it evaporates from the heat.
- Water around herbs, not all the way through
How you water your plants is as important as how often you water them. Always water around herbaceous plants, not on the leaves. If the leaves are always in contact with water, it increases the risk of mold growth. Leaves can also rot and can kill herbs.
- Avoid waterlogged pots
Some pots have a built-in saucer or bucket that catches the water and keeps the plant roots hydrated for hours. But most herbs hate standing water and their roots should not be soaked for more than 15 minutes. So try to avoid using such pots or discard the water that accumulates in the saucer to reduce the risk of root rot and disease.
- Mulching
Mulch is usually used to retain soil moisture, which also reduces the need for watering. If planted in the ground, you can use mulch to make your herb garden look good. However, not all mulching materials are safe for herbs. Natural ground cover materials are best for herbs, such as wood chips, cocoa bean shells or pine needles. Keep the mulch layer away from the canopy of your herbs so you don’t end up smothering the plants.
