Determining When to Water
Check if the soil is dry ⁄2 in (1.3 cm) below the surface daily. Choose a spot in the soil that’s about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the herb’s stem and push your index finger down into the soil. Wiggle your finger to feel the soil ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) down and see if it’s still moist. If it feels damp to the touch, then you don’t need to water your herbs. If it feels dry, then the herbs need water. Don’t water herbs if the soil feels moist since they can develop root rot easily.
Look for yellowed or wilted leaves to determine under- or over-watering. Under-watered and over-watered herbs both have similar symptoms, so it can be a little tricky to determine the problem. Check the leaves closest to the bottom of the stem since they’ll be affected first. If the leaves feel hard or they crumble when you squeeze them, then your herbs need water. If the leaves are flexible or soft, then they have too much water. Herbs that are over-watered won’t have as strong of a flavor and could die if you continue watering them without drying out.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings for drought-resistant herbs. Drought-resistant herbs, such as thyme, basil, and rosemary, get waterlogged and develop rot more easily in moist soil. Avoid watering the herbs if the soil already feels wet 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface to keep them healthy.
Providing Regular Waterings
Start watering in the morning so the herbs get nutrients throughout the day. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day since the sun can cause it to evaporate. Wet the soil within 2–3 hours of sunrise to ensure the water absorbs into the soil before the warmest part of the day. You can also water at night if you aren’t able to water in the morning. You may be more flexible watering indoor herbs since they aren’t in direct sunlight throughout the day.
Moisten soil daily to a depth of 3 in (7.6 cm) for herb seeds. Use a spray bottle or a small watering can so you don’t disturb the seeds when you water them. Spray the soil until it feels damp 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) below the surface. Make sure the soil stays moist while the seeds germinate so they can get the nutrients they need to grow. Once the seedlings grow 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) tall, stop using the spray bottle to water them. Avoid using jet attachments for hoses to water seeds, or else you may wash the seeds out of the ground. Don’t allow seeds to dry out since they may not produce healthy plants otherwise.
Water herbs in containers until it drains out from the bottom holes. Use a watering can or a hose with a shower head attachment so you can control the stream. Water the herbs until the water starts to puddle on the soil’s surface. Allow the soil to soak into the soil and check if it comes out of the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. If nothing comes out from the holes, water the herbs again. Empty the dish underneath the pot when you finish watering your herbs to prevent the roots from drowning.Warning: Avoid getting the leaves wet when you water your herbs to reduce the chances of them developing rot or disease.
Soak soil to a depth of 8 in (20 cm) if you’re watering outdoor herbs. Use your garden hose with a shower head attachment or a watering can to water your herbs. Water the soil around the base of the herbs and avoid getting the leaves wet. Allow the water to form puddles and then let it soak into the ground. Poke the end of a stick into the soil to a depth of 8 inches (20 cm) to see if the soil feels damp. Watering to a depth of 8 inches (20 cm) ensures that all of the roots get enough nutrients.
Controlling Soil Moisture
Use containers with drainage holes so the soil isn’t waterlogged. If pots or containers retain water, the roots won’t get enough air and cause the herbs to die. Make sure the pots or containers you buy have holes on the bottom to ensure water can drain out. If you already have herbs in containers that don’t have drainage holes, transplant them to a new pot that’s the same size as the old one. You can use plastic or clay pots for your herbs. Pots with drainage holes come with dishes to catch excess water from the soil. Make sure to empty the dishes when you water your plants so it doesn’t absorb back into the soil and overwater the roots.
Add 2 in (5.1 cm) of mulch to herbs planted in the ground. Choose a wood mulch from your local gardening center and pour it on the soil around your herbs. Use a rake to spread the mulch into a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer on the surface. Leave about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of space between the mulch and the base of the herbs to help prevent rot. Mulching outdoor herbs also prevents weeds from growing and competing with your herbs. Continue checking the dampness of the soil daily since it can still dry out under the mulch.Tip: You do not need to use mulch for indoor or potted herbs.
Use a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer of pea gravel for moisture-sensitive herbs. Herbs like thyme, basil, and sage are more sensitive to moisture and can easily get waterlogged if the soil doesn’t drain well. Get pea gravel from your local gardening store and pour a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer on top of the soil near your herbs. Leave 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space between the herb stem and gravel. Potted herbs don’t need pea gravel. Pea gravel also prevents weeds from growing in the same area as your herbs.
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