You do not need a big yard to enjoy the fresh taste of herbs! Growing these little treasures in pots is easy and does not require a whole lot of gear. Whether it is on your balcony, your deck, or even a windowsill, it is doable for everyone! A bit of sun, a bit of care, and you are ready to go.
Your potted herbs can last for several seasons if you give them the right conditions and the care they deserve. Think about it: marjoram can bring you joy for two to four years, oregano, summer savory, and sage, one or two years, and parsley, six to nine months. It is a green investment that will perfume your everyday!
Where to Set Up Your Little Beauties?
Your balcony, your deck, your patio, the corner of your entrance, a sunny windowsill, even the side of a staircase can become perfect miniature gardens. With the wide variety of pots and plants available, let your creativity run wild to make welcoming and personalized green spaces. Whether you prefer a well-organized style or a more natural look, the important thing is to find the balance between your plants and the structural elements. Do not hesitate to mix herbs, shrubs, and flowers in the same pot or in separate containers for a surprising effect!
Keep an Eye on Special Conditions!
Potted plants are more sensitive to temperature changes than those in the ground. Did you know that in a pot, the soil temperature can be about 2.5°C cooler than the air because of water evaporation? So, you have to keep a close watch!
Hot and Sunny Days:
- Water more often! Pots exposed to the sun, especially dark-coloured ones, heat up quickly.
- In smaller pots, choose annual flowers or herbs that are more tolerant to drought. Think lavender, rosemary, or thyme.
- Opt for light-coloured pots that do not absorb as much heat.
The Wind:
- If you are up high, install windbreaks to protect your plants from gusts. They could get a real beating!
- For bigger plants, choose pots with a wide base to prevent them from tipping over, even on a second or third-floor balcony.
- Do not hesitate to install stakes to support more fragile stems.
The Pot: Find the Right Size!
To grow properly, most herbs need pots that are at least 20 cm in diameter. When it is time to repot, choose a pot that is just a little bit bigger in diameter than the old one.
Good to Know:
- Flared pots dry out faster than those with a narrow neck because the soil is more exposed to the sun and air.
- Your containers need to be wide and deep enough so the roots can develop properly, which will ensure good overall plant growth.
- Pots that are too big can hold too much moisture and slow down growth, while pots that are too small limit space for the roots and the supply of water and nutrients.
- Wider and shallower pots are perfect for plants with shallow roots like thyme, summer savory, and tarragon.
Repotting: A Little Boost When Needed!
It is time to repot when the roots are cramped, they are poking out of the pot, or your plant's growth slows down for no real reason.
- Annual plants: In the spring, just like thyme and other evergreen shrubs.
- Perennials: In the spring or fall, depending on the species.
- Biennials: In the fall, choosing a new pot that is at least 5 cm bigger in diameter than the current root ball.
Always choose a good quality potting mix to give your plants the nutrients they need.
- Peat-based mixes are light, somewhat acidic, and easy to handle. However, they dry out quickly and can be difficult to re-wet once they are too dry.
- Compost-based mixes are richer and heavier, meaning they need less fertilizer.
How to Repot a Plant Already in a Big Pot:
- Gently take the plant out of its pot.
- Carefully remove the soil around the roots.
- With clean scissors or pruning shears, cut off about a third of the roots. This encourages new root growth!
- Place the plant back in the same pot with fresh, good-quality potting mix.
- You can also remove about a third of the foliage to reduce stress on the plant (this is optional).
Deficiencies and Excesses: The Signs to Watch For and How to Deal With Them!
In container gardening, it is crucial to know how to recognize the signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Unlike in the ground, fertilizer mistakes do not fix themselves. Keep an eye on what your plants are telling you!
Pale green leaves and browning of the lower leaves that do not fall off?
- The Problem: Nitrogen (N) deficiency. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth and their green colour.
- Why: Potting mix that is low in nitrogen or excessive leaching from too much watering can cause this.
- The Solution: Use a balanced fertilizer or one that is rich in nitrogen, following the manufacturer's instructions.
The underside of the leaves turns purple?
- The Problem: Phosphorus (P) deficiency. Phosphorus is important for root, flower, and fruit development.
- Why: Soil that is too cold or an improper pH can limit phosphorus absorption.
- The Solution: Use a fertilizer rich in phosphorus. Make sure the soil temperature is right and the pH is suitable for your plants.
The tips of the middle leaves turn brown?
- The Problem: Potassium (K) deficiency. Potassium plays a role in disease resistance, photosynthesis, and water regulation.
- Why: Sandy soil or not enough potassium can lead to this deficiency.
- The Solution: Apply a fertilizer rich in potassium.
Browning of the tips and edges of young leaves?
- The Problem: Calcium deficiency. Calcium is needed for the structure of plant cells and the growth of young tissues.
- Why: Acidic soil or an imbalance with other nutrients can limit calcium absorption.
- The Solution: You can add dolomitic lime to the potting mix (following recommended amounts) or use a fertilizer containing calcium.
The leaves turn yellow starting from the base of the plant, then brown and fall off?
- The Problem: Excess moisture. Too much water deprives the roots of oxygen and encourages the development of fungal diseases.
- Why: Watering too often, poor drainage in the pot, or a potting mix that holds too much water are often the cause.
- The Solution: Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Let the potting mix dry out slightly between waterings. If the mix is too compact, consider repotting with a more airy mix.
By paying attention to these signs, you can step in quickly and give your herbs the best conditions for healthy and flavourful growth!
