Common Indications That You Are Overwatering Your Herbs
You may have a little window garden to grow your herbs in, or you may have a complete yard filled with herbs. These are both great ways to grow your own food and provide fresh produce for your home.
No matter the size of your herb garden, it is essential to water them regularly like other plants. However, it is also important to avoid overdoing it. Herbs can quickly die if they receive more water than they can handle. Unfortunately, overwatering is a common mistake when maintaining an herb garden.
This article will run you through the signs that you are overwatering your herb garden and what you can do to prevent this.
Signs to Look Out For
Each herb may require different soil types, climates, and watering. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, thyme, and others that grow in dry Mediterranean climates prefer semi-dry soil and less watering.
If you notice the following signs in your plants, you may be overwatering them:
Yellow and falling leaves
Dark or black leaves
Fuzzy mildew on the plant
Signs of edema or enlarged cells similar to blisters on your plant
A lack of growth
Your herbs don’t “perk up” when you water them
The stems and roots are soft and break easily
Yellowing and falling leaves may also be a sign of underwatering. To check, see if your soil is wet and soggy. If so, you are most likely overwatering your plant.
Wet and soggy soil may also promote root rot, bacteria, fungus, and pests. It is best to repot your plants in fresh well-draining soil to avoid this from spreading.
Ways to Avoid Overwatering
Before sticking to a watering schedule, it is best to consider the type of herbs you are planting and how much water they need. Only water generously if the plants require it. It is better to water deep and less frequently to avoid stagnant water.
Here are some tips to help avoid overwatering:
Check for proper soil drainage. Your pot may not have enough holes, or your soil may be too dense and compact. You can add wood chips, straw, and other organic additives to make your soil drain better.
Instead of setting a watering schedule, it is better to look for signs that your herbs need watering. The soil may be dry, or its leaves may start to droop. That is when it is best to water your plants.
Avoid excess moisture by watering only the root area of your plant. This way, there is less evaporation and stagnant moisture that can attract diseases.
As you care for your garden, you will start to recognize signs of overwatering or underwatering easily.
Always remember that each plant has different watering and soil needs. Certain plants may like a more moist environment, while others may prefer it a bit more dry. Make sure to pay attention to each plant to help understand how often you should be watering them.
Conclusion
As much as it is vital to water your herbs regularly, overwatering may not do them any good either. The signs of overwatering and underwatering are similar and may be difficult to notice. Try to learn about each plant before you start growing it in your herb garden. This way, you will be able to understand its needs and how to help it thrive.
Are you looking for more gardening tips to help you nurture your herb garden? Blossom & Broom offers advice on growing your own food, home aesthetics, and others. Check out our other blog articles to learn more!
