For those who are just beginning to learn how to grow herbs, there is a big question that often comes up: Do herbs need fertilizers? As with any type of plant, herbs need water, sunlight and nutrients. In order to successfully grow them, all three of these needs are important.
Herbs thrive when they get all three, and when they do so, they become healthy. There are some types of herbs that do not need any type of fertilizer. These include parsley, sage, coriander, cilantro, dill, and tarragon.
But other herbs do. Herbs like basil, Rosemary, oregano, mint, and thyme are well known for needing fertilizer. Fertilizing encourages the growth of herbs. To start herb gardening, you will want to find a spot that is free of pollution, disease, or weeds.
When I asked, “Do herbs need fertilizers?” I got a lot of different answers, some completely contradicting others. One person said, “If you think they have more sunlight than you, then they probably do.” However, I know of gardens where sunlight was low, and the herbs thrived.
Growing herbs in the ground is a great way to start herb gardening. You can use them as natural pest controllers, too. Just be sure to choose a location that is not contaminated by mosquitoes or rats. The other suggestion for the growing of herbs was to use a mix of sand and perlite to water your herbs. A “dead bug” mulch works well, too.
But what is the answer to the question, “Do herbs need fertilizers?” The answer is “yes, but it depends on the kind ofherb”. Some herbs require a small amount of fertilizer, while others do not.
Different herbs are grown for different reasons. There are herbs for health, beauty, medicinal, food, or other reasons. For example, sage is called a food herb, because it can be used as a flavoring for foods, or as a spice. You can also find it as a substitute for garlic in meat and poultry dishes.
Another example is mint. Mint is considered a food herb, because it can be mixed with tomato sauce to make delicious pesto. You can use it as a marinade or salad dressing. You can even make a delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream.
And although many people don’t realize it, herbs also have medicinal uses. Thyme has been used for decades as a remedy for arthritis, colds, and headaches. Parsley can be used to soothe and calm sore throats.
When it comes to do herbs need fertilizers? That depends on the type of herb. For example, the problem with parsley is that it can absorb large amounts of nitrogen from the soil.
So if you are thinking about starting herb gardening, do herbs need fertilizers? This depends on the type of herb, and the location you grow them in.
If you are just starting out, then it’s okay to use the soil and water that you already have. This way, you will not have to buy fertilizers, and you will not need to purchase seeds. But you should still do a little research and find out the answers to your question “Do herbs need fertilizers?”