What's the biggest mistake when growing window box herbs?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Over-watering is the most dangerous mistake in window box herb gardening. Root rot silently kills plants when the soil remains wet too long. Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary, suffer the most as they thrive best in periods of drought between waterings. At the same time, mint and parsley prefer consistent moisture.
Recognize the early signs of death in a plant. Yellow leaves are a sure sign of suffocated roots. Wilting with still-damp soil indicates that something is wrong. Spongy stems indicate the plant is badly decayed. Look for these signs in the first few days. Reduce water, improve drainage. Save the plants.
Drainage Solutions
- Drill extra holes every 4 inches in box bottoms
- Elevate containers using pot feet for air circulation
- Add coarse sand to soil mix for faster water flow
Watering Techniques
- Check soil dryness by inserting finger 2 inches deep
- Water Mediterranean herbs only when soil feels completely dry
- Moisture-lovers need watering when top inch dries out
Emergency Care
- Stop watering immediately at first sign of yellowing
- Remove plant and trim blackened roots with sterilized shears
- Repot in fresh dry soil with extra drainage materials
Avoid issues with intelligent container selection. Unglazed terra cotta pots absorb excess moisture through the natural wick effect. Cedar boxes provide better drainage than plastic ones. Use containers that have multiple drainage holes. Use well-draining soil mixes that are light, sandy, or contain perlite as one of the components.
Seasonal protection gives herbs protection throughout the year. Watering frequency is decreased by half during cool months. Temporary covers can provide protection from heavy rains over the boxes. When the heat is extreme, watering is done early in the morning to prevent the stress of evaporation. Yet, for some nights, there should be no moisture or dew accumulation.
Successful herb gardening begins with knowing what each plant wants. Mediterranean plants can tolerate a certain amount of neglect, while moisture-loving plants require a period of dryness before being watered again. If you can successfully balance these challenges, you'll have hardy, tasty herbs spilling from your window boxes year-round.
Read the full article: 10 Best Window Box Herbs for Your Kitchen
