Last summer, I tried my hand at growing an herb garden in a tall raised bed in my yard, but it didn't go well. My herbs shriveled up and produced nothing. I'm guessing they got too much sun, but my yard doesn't really have a spot that receives less sun without completely depriving the plants of light. I also have no space indoors for them since our windowsills are too small and there's not enough sunlight coming through. We have an Aerogarden at home, but I can't use it right now. I'm looking for guidance on what went wrong last year and how I can succeed this summer. Could someone share their 'Herb Garden 101' tips?
3 Answers
Well, a lot of herbs, especially Mediterranean varieties like basil and rosemary, actually thrive in full sun and hot, dry conditions. You didn’t mention your specific herb choices, but if they’re not adaptable to high sunlight, that might be an issue. Another thing to consider is watering—it's tricky in raised beds. Too much or too little can both cause issues. Also, did you harden off your transplants before planting them? That can really help, especially if they're coming from a nursery where they were kept outside.
Different herbs have varying needs, so it might help to reconsider what you're planting. The list of herbs you're trying might have mismatched growth requirements. For example, some herbs need good drainage, while others prefer cooler conditions. I recommend making a list of what you want to grow or what didn’t work and researching their specific needs.
I did try basil, cilantro, thyme, chives, and rosemary—all failed. I followed watering instructions, but maybe I didn’t account for their individual needs.
From what you've told me, the sun likely isn't your main problem. I'd guess it's either the plants you selected or possibly how they were watered. Starting from seeds can sometimes be trickier than transplants. Many herbs are generally forgiving and can thrive even with minimal care, so don't get discouraged. Try again, and keep a close eye on watering—allow the soil to dry out a bit between sessions and adjust based on the weather conditions.
That’s true, I’m starting with transplants again this year, thinking that would be easier.
I tried basil (two plants), cilantro, thyme, chives, and rosemary. All of them were transplants and not seeds. I watered as per the instructions for each, so I don't think it was a watering issue.