What are common indoor herb gardening myths?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Many indoor herb gardens are doomed before they even start due to common misconceptions. If you believe one of these myths, it may lead to disappointing results. I learned this process as I lost three basil plants, only to discover the genuine situation later. Once you know these realities, they can even transform failure into vibrant herb garden displays. Let's debunk these myths with actual proof.
Watering Frequency
- Myth: Herbs need daily watering
- Reality: Overwatering causes root rot
- Truth: Water only when top inch dries
- Mediterranean herbs need 10-14 day intervals
Pot Size
- Myth: Bigger pots mean better growth
- Reality: Oversized containers cause waterlogging
- Truth: Match pot to root ball size
- Rosemary thrives in 6-8 inch containers
Hydroponics
- Myth: Hydroponics are too complex
- Reality: Modern kits simplify the process
- Truth: Countertop systems need monthly refills
- Yields 3x faster growth than soil
Myths about watering daily will ruin more herbs than drought will. Roots suffocate in wet soil rather than drying out. To check moisture, insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Most Mediterranean herbs prefer a dry environment between waterings. Rosemary will drink water once every two weeks.
False beliefs around pot size can lead to catastrophic root rot. Herbs only require containers that are just 2-4 inches wider than their roots; pots that are too large retain extra moisture, which can kill your plants. My basil thrived when I switched it from a 12-inch pot to a smaller, 8-inch pot. Having drainage holes is more important than the size of the container.
Identical care myths: Myths that plant care is the same for all plants overlook that herb varieties vary significantly. Mediterranean herbs like warm sunny days and dry soil and mint prefers moisture. I would group thyme with rosemary in the herb garden but plant mint by itself. A mud puddle in the mint bed taught me this. Look at the light and moisture needs of the plants before planting them together.
Hydroponic anxiety inhibits productive growth. Today's version, like Aerogardens, makes the process easier. My kitchen device allows me to grow basil in half the time it takes to grow in soil. Deep Water Culture only requires a bucket and an air stone. These systems are more efficient than growing plants in the dirt; they take less time and are cleaner.
Experiment for yourself to validate the gardening myths presented. For example, give plants water at prescribed intervals vs. checking soil moisture. For a similar exercise, place basil in pots of varying sizes and observe the growth within each pot. My earlier experiments generally indicated that smaller pots outperformed the larger ones. So, take evidence-based approaches over following the stories and folklore.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Indoor Herb Garden Secrets
