Whether on the windowsill or in the pot on the balcony – keeping potted herbs alive for a long time is an art. Even more important than sun: species-appropriate watering.
From spring onwards, the desire for fresh herbs begins again, from which you can then pick a few leaves for the kitchen as the mood takes you. The plants can be easily cultivated in pots if each type is given the appropriate care. When it comes to watering, things get a little more difficult because you have to distinguish between plants with high and low water requirements. In addition, they can dry out more quickly in the pot than in the bed, and waterlogging is usually disastrous. Watering is definitely more important than lots of sun.
There is a watering rule of thumb for typical culinary herbs
Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary, unsurprisingly, do not require as much water as chives, which naturally like to grow near rivers. Accordingly, herbal spirals in the garden are divided into dry, moist and wet zones, into which the varieties are planted depending on needs. Outdoors, drought-loving plants hardly need any additional water. But what does “not so much” mean for potted plants?
There is a rough rule of thumb that can be used for species with medium water requirements: water daily in an amount that corresponds to ten percent of the pot's volume. For typical supermarket pots, this corresponds to around 100 milliliters of water. If you don't take it too seriously and water twice as much, you'll have to expect yellow leaves and gray mold. It is best never to water the herbs from above, but rather directly onto the soil.
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How should you water the individual herbs?
You should pay particular attention to:
Basil: The herb likes moisture and should never dry out. It's better to water less, but more often. Do the finger test and water when the soil surface feels dry.
Mint: It requires a lot of water, so always keep it slightly moist, water thoroughly and remove excess water from the saucer.
Oregano: low water requirements. A little water about twice a week is sufficient, but in hot summers it can only be useful every day. However, the plant usually forgives longer dry phases.
Parsley: The soil should be moist but not wet when you finger test. It is better to water a little regularly rather than once and twice a day.
Rosemary: low water requirements. Only when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil have dried should you water the plant thoroughly and remove excess water. It's better to water a little too little than too much.
Chives: Moist soil is desired, but not waterlogged. Water about 150 ml a day, even twice on hot days.
Thyme: low water requirements. Only water something when the top soil has dried out. However, the plant usually forgives longer dry phases.
Lemon balm: keep moist but not wet. If necessary, water daily in summer.
After purchasing, you should repot herbs in small pots as soon as possible, as the plants in these do not have much space for root development and can therefore absorb less water. If you want to save yourself the worry of watering, you should use self-watering herb pots. These have a water reservoir from which the plants draw as much water as they need via a cord.