How often should indoor herbs be watered?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.How often you water is perhaps the most crucial factor in your herb garden's success. The fact is, more indoor herbs die from overwatering than from underwatering. Most Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary, prefer their soil to be completely dry between waterings. In contrast, mint prefers to be kept *uniformly wet*! Know your herb's needs to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Before watering, check the soil moisture. Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Only water when the top inch feels dry. I lost my oregano because I watered it every week without checking for dryness. This habit is again a super simple way to prevent most watering mistakes.
Soil Finger Test
- Insert index finger to second knuckle
- Water only if soil feels dry at fingertip
- Use room-temperature water
- Avoid wetting leaves to prevent mildew
Weight Method
- Lift pot when freshly watered to learn heavy weight
- Check daily until pot feels significantly lighter
- Ideal for large containers
- Develops intuitive watering sense over time
Seasonal Adjustments
- Winter: Water half as frequently
- Summer: Check soil daily during heat waves
- Spring/Fall: Follow standard schedules
- Reduce watering during dormancy periods
Herb health is dependent upon water quality. For best results, use filtered water at room temperature if possible. Cold water can shock the plant's roots, and tap water containing chlorine can impact the flavor during the plant's growing stage. I had to switch to filtered water because my basil was developing dark spots. You can also just let tap water sit out overnight to eliminate chlorine.
The selection of pots significantly influences how often and how much herb types need to be watered. Terra cotta pots will dry out more quickly than plastic pots. My rosemary grows well in porous clay, while mint prefers self-watering containers that hold moisture. It is better to pair the pot selection with the herb type to help simplify maintenance.
Environmental factors can affect the amount of water herb plants need. Elevated temperatures, low humidity, and strong sunlight all increase the water needs of herb plants. For instance, my kitchen herbs require more water during the winter months because of the heating system in the house. It is best to monitor conditions rather than using a predetermined watering routine for the plants.
Reviving overwatered herbs begins by withholding all water for the time being. After you've terminated all water for the time being, remove plants from the wet soil, trim all rotten/mushy roots, and repot into dehydrated potting mix. My mint did just this after seven dry days. To prevent a repeat, increase drainage and inspect the soil thoroughly in the future.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Indoor Herb Garden Secrets
