Are You Overwatering Your Herb Garden? (2024)

Amy Jeanroy is a master gardener and farm homesteader who has operated a greenhouse business since 1999. She served as the herbal gardening expert for The Spruce for eight years. Using her expertise in herbalism, she makes and sells herbal soaps, tinctures, salves, teas, and recipes at farmers' markets in Maine. She has also authored three books on canning and fermenting foods.

Signs

No matter which herbs you plant, it is important to avoid overwatering your herb garden. Manyherbs actually like a semi-dry soil, this is true for lavender, rosemary, thyme, and many herbs that are native to the Mediterranean or other dry climates. This is great for drought years because these plants can withstand extreme conditions.

In general, if your plants are wilting and the soil is wet, you are probably overwatering.Keep an eye on your herb garden and pay attention to the plants to look for any of these signs:

Leaves become yellow and fall.
Leaves become dark or black in color.
A fuzzy mildew substance is seen on the herb.
Signs of edema* appear on the leaves.
The herb is not growing.
The herb does not appear to perk up when watered.
The stems and roots soften or break easily.

*Edema occurs when a plant receives more water than it can use. It will show as blisters, lesions, or indentations on the leaves.

If you believe that your herbs may be receiving too much moisture, check that the drainage is adequate.

Standing water will rot the roots of any plant and cause issues with bacteria, fungus, and pests. Rotted roots will turn gray or brown and become slimy. It's best to remove these plants from the garden to prevent the issue from spreading to other plants.

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How to Avoid Overwatering

First, be sure to plant herbs in groups based on their watering needs. This allows you to water generously in areas that require it, without overwatering herbs that like to remain dry.

A good rule of thumb is to water deep and less frequently. This will promote the greatest root growth, which is what your herbs need to thrive.

Ensure that all of your plants have proper drainage. This includes potted herbs. If needed, amend the soil with wood chips, straw, or a similar organic additive. Ideally, this should be done prior to planting, but it can fix an issue mid-season if you're very careful.
Wait for signs that your herbs need watering instead of watering on a set schedule. Look for the plants that are just beginning to wilt or droop, then test the soil. Stick your finger an inch or two into the dirt near the plant base. If it's dry, it's time to water.
Water only the root area. This will reduce evaporation and help prevent diseases caused by moisture. Yet, during dry and dusty weather, do give your plants a bit of a shower to clean them off and repel insects.

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Are You Overwatering Your Herb Garden? (4)

As you gain more experience in the garden, you will learn to recognize the signs your plants are giving you. If you pay attention, a single plant can alert you to when you need to water the garden.

Basil is a fantastic indicator plant because the first day that it is thirsting for water, the leaves will droop. It's very apparent—and within minutes of a good watering—when they spring back to life. However, if you ignore them for too long, those precious leaves will turn yellow and be useless.

Some varieties of hydrangea, as well as peppers, tomatoes, and parsley can also be good plants to watch for your watering schedule.

As a seasoned horticulturist with a rich background in gardening and herbalism, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience to the table. My expertise extends to greenhouse management, herbal gardening, and the cultivation of various plants, especially herbs. I have operated a greenhouse business for over two decades, providing me with practical insights into the nuances of plant care. Additionally, I served as the herbal gardening expert for The Spruce for eight years, where I shared my knowledge with a broader audience.

Beyond my role as a master gardener, I leverage my herbalism expertise to craft and sell herbal products such as soaps, tinctures, salves, teas, and recipes at farmers' markets in Maine. This commitment to the practical application of herbal knowledge underscores my passion for sustainable and natural living. Furthermore, I have authored three books focusing on canning and fermenting foods, showcasing my diverse understanding of gardening and culinary practices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about overwatering herbs:

1. Signs of Overwatering:

Wilting plants with wet soil.
Yellowing and falling leaves.
Dark or black coloration of leaves.
Presence of fuzzy mildew substance.
Edema, visible as blisters, lesions, or indentations on leaves.
Stunted growth of herbs.
Lack of response to watering (no perking up).
Softening or breaking of stems and roots.

2. Edema:

Edema is a condition where a plant receives more water than it can use.
Manifests as blisters, lesions, or indentations on leaves.

3. Issues Caused by Overwatering:

Rotted roots, turning gray or brown and becoming slimy.
Risk of bacterial, fungal, and pest problems.
Standing water in the soil can lead to root rot.

4. How to Avoid Overwatering:

Plant herbs in groups based on watering needs.
Water deep and less frequently to promote robust root growth.
Ensure proper drainage for all plants, including potted herbs.
Amend soil with organic additives like wood chips or straw for better drainage.
Water based on plant needs, not on a fixed schedule.
Water only the root area to reduce evaporation and prevent diseases.
Use indicator plants like basil to gauge when watering is needed.

5. Recognizing Signs for Watering:

Observe plants for wilting or drooping as signs of water need.
Test soil moisture by sticking a finger into the soil near the plant base.
Water only when the soil is dry.
Gain experience to recognize individual plant signs for watering.

In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs of overwatering, the detrimental effects it can have on herbs, and practical tips for preventing and addressing this common gardening mistake.