r/herbs

Hello all 👋🏻 I've tried consistently to grow mint for the past 2 years and the same thing keeps happening. Originally, no matter what strain of mint I plant it starts growing really well. I ensure I use potting compost and on this batch have mixed in very fine gravel (designed to help drainage in potted plants). No matter what, I get to about 3-4 months, the edges of the leaves turn brown, then the whole leaf turns yellow and the plant starts to die.

This specific plant has been potted for around 3 months. I water it everyday (currently in the UK we are experiencing very warm weather) but am careful not to overdo it. I've sprayed it with potassium soap, as I can see some whitefly on the plant itself. Could this be the cause? Or something else ?

Any advice would be very much appreciated as I feel like I have the least green thumb in the world 👍🏻

I bought this dried herb from nugget years ago. Put it in a jar and thought "I'll label it later" then I forgot what it was and I have never been able to figure it out. It doesn't have a strong flavor in any direction. Should be a relatively common herb for tea since I got it at the grocery store. I have revisited the grocery store and they no longer have a loose leaf tea section. Any guesses?

What is the easiest way to preserve it, i do not have a dehydrator. I have an abundance of chamomile, dill, lavender, and holy basil.

And is the dill still edible even after it flowers?

Pic is of my volunteer chamomile! Would love to make some tea with it.

Does anyone know what this black stuff on my basil is? Are they eggs of some sort? I’m brand new to herb and veggie gardens and it’s been a struggle.

Also, any tips on how to stop basil from being eaten? I’ve got it in a raised bed with tomatoes, sweet peppers, sage, and thyme. The sage got a little bit eaten when I first planted it but has been doing pretty good since, nothing else has many or any holes. Both of my basil plants are torn up. I don’t like to use the leafs that are half eaten, but as soon as a new bunch of basil begins to grow they get eaten once they’re large enough for harvest. I haven’t been able to get a useable harvest yet. I’ve definitely seen earwigs at night in this raised bed (along with everywhere else in my garden…) but I’m not sure if they’re attracted to basil or why that’s the only plant being eaten. Please help!

Hypothesis: A fan (wind/vibration) may help plants develop thicker stems, especially for weak, etiolated seedlings caused by low sunlight.

Gentle airflow makes the stem move slightly, which may encourage it to become thicker and stronger over time. While it doesn't replace sunlight, it can be a simple and useful trick to help prevent tall, skinny plants from bending, wilting, or snapping easily.

Has anyone here tried this with indoor seedlings? 🌱

they keep dying when i put them out when just bought and repotted them. for reference I live in mid-city San diego (zone 10a) I keep them all outside on my balcony facing 210º SW (exactly in the middle).
my mexican oregano and basils seem to be doing fine. they’re not thriving with growth but they’re not dying, and look pretty healthy.
they’re all filled with normal potting soil and i water them when they seem dry (every few days). my indoor monsteras & pathos seem to be doing good on the same regimen. is the san diego sun too much for them right now? would they do better inside? my backyard faces 30º NE but im sure if they’d be better there. what am i doing wrong?

if anyone could help me out with some herb-keeping advice bc I love to cook with fresh herbs and it makes me (and my wallet) sad too see them go so fast. i’m planning on going on a gardening run and can pick up some better soil i’m just not sure what they need. also if anyone is in a similar area what herbs tend to do best here? i’m planning on picking up sage, thyme and green onions.

I'm so proud of my first chamomile harvest 😍

I was given a little rosemary and basil in a jar and wanted to know when I could move them to soil and how often I should change the water.

I shouldn't have planted them both in the same pot.. they are growing like crazy! Will I kill it if I separate it now? Reason I ask is I didn't have luck transplanting strawberries.

Don't judge me too harshly.. I'm not experienced in gardening! Lol

I've had it for a while, but I'm not sure what it is.. are you able to help me identify it?