Herb Growing Guide
Planting Herbs
This chart provides a comprehensive guide to growing herbs, covering key factors like temperature, sunlight, water requirements, soil pH, and growing zones.
Tip: Use our zone chart map to find your zone & when to plant.
Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. They offer fresh flavors and aromatic leaves for cooking, teas, and medicinal uses. With proper care, herbs will continue producing throughout the season.
Types of Herbs & Growth Habits
Herbs come in various forms, from hardy, shrub-like perennials to delicate, heat-sensitive annuals.
- Hardy Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano thrive in warm, dry conditions and can withstand temperature fluctuations.
- Delicate Herbs: Dill, parsley, cilantro, and chives are prone to wilting or bolting in extreme heat. Provide partial shade in hot climates to extend their harvest.
Use Planter Boxes to Control Invasive Herbs
Some herbs, like mint and lavender, spread aggressively and can take over a garden. Growing them in gardening containers prevents them from becoming invasive while allowing for a productive harvest.
Harvesting & Pruning Your Herbs
Regular pruning and harvesting encourage continued growth. Herbs will keep producing as long as they are trimmed frequently. Use them fresh or dried to enhance a variety of dishes.
Pest & Disease Management of Herbs
While herbs are generally resilient, they can still be affected by pests and diseases:
- Common Pests: Watch for aphids, flea beetles, and slugs, which can damage leaves. Our insect identifier helps you spot the type of pest on your herbs.
- Diseases & Disorders: Herbs are susceptible to bolting, powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose, and damping off. Proper spacing and airflow can help prevent fungal issues. Learn about these and more on our page about common plant problems.
Fertilizing Herbs
Herbs thrive with our natural 8-3-5 fertilizer, which provides balanced nutrients without excessive nitrogen that could reduce flavor potency.
Recommended Planter Box
For best results, use the EarthBox Junior container gardening system with our 8-3-5 fertilizer. It’s ideal for compact herb gardens and container growing.
You can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh herbs all season long with minimal effort!
More Reading:
A Guide to Growing Herbs in Containers