Herb Gardening

April 2007

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

This time of year usually is very hot and dry with little rainfall. Because of that many plants, including herbs, can suffer a lot from water stress. Check gardens almost daily and irrigate as needed to keep plants well supplied with adequate levels of moisture.

If you have an outside garden mulch it generously 3 to 4 inches deep and the mulch will help to conserve moisture and reduce the stress on the plant roots from high soil temperatures.

Check foliage for signs of spider mites and other pests that build up this time of year. Use of insecticidal soaps or other products are safe on most herbs and you can still cook or use them.

If you’re gardening in containers some herbs if they become potbound will require watering almost daily this time of year. Also make sure that you fertilize container plants with a good liquid fertilizer about once every month to six weeks to keep them attractive and growing the way they should.

If you are wanting to add additional herbs, most large garden centers have seed sources and some have transplants of your favorite herbs. You can also display herbs as hanging basket plants, particularly many of the mints.

If you have questions about general maintenance this time of year in your garden, check with fellow members at monthly meetings or contact your local county Extension office.