10 things to note when caring for herb plants such as mint and thyme

Caring for herb plants is much simpler than growing flowers, much like growing vegetables. They have high light requirements, grow well on semi-shaded balconies and windowsills, and are suitable for container growing. Their leaves and stems can also be used in cooking, and the plants themselves give off a fresh fragrance.

Below are some points to note when caring for herb plants, for gardening beginners.

1. Prepare loose, fertile soil

If you want herb plants to grow well, choose loose, fertile, well-drained humus soil. You can mix compost soil, peat soil and perlite, and add some river sand as appropriate. You can add some decomposed manure at the bottom of the pot, which will continuously promote the growth of the herb plants.

It is best to choose slightly acidic fertile soil. For herb plants grown in containers, generally add some slightly acidic compost soil to the top of the pot each year.

2. Propagating by seed

If you want more herb plants, the simplest and most effective way is to buy some herb seeds and grow them.

A small packet of mint seeds can plant a large patch and can ensure successful cultivation.

For some herb plants that are harder to propagate from seed, you can just buy some seedlings, or propagate them from stem cuttings. For example, common thyme or rosemary have a relatively low seed germination rate, and the seedlings are also hard to grow successfully.

Herb seeds you buy should be sown as soon as possible. The longer the seeds are stored, the lower the germination rate.

3. Easy-to-grow herb varieties

For beginners, it is best to start with herbs that are easier to care for, such as the most common basil, mint and thyme. They are among the very easiest herb plants to care for, have strong adaptability to the environment, and also have a high success rate when propagated from seed, so beginners can definitely grow them well.

4. Watering appropriately

Be sure to develop the habit of watering regularly and avoid watering too frequently. The soil must not stay wet for long periods, and especially must not become waterlogged.

Also pay attention to when you water. Generally, water again once the soil 3~5 cm below the surface has dried out. Each time you water, water thoroughly until water drips from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.

If you keep them indoors where the air is relatively dry, you can mist them with an appropriate amount of water every day to maintain a certain level of air humidity, but water must not remain on the leaves for long periods, otherwise the leaves can easily rot.

5. Appropriate light

Herb plants have low light requirements, but that does not mean you can grow them in a completely dark environment. Place them on a windowsill or balcony with appropriate light, preferably in a south-facing position.

If there is no sunlight indoors, then place them properly under bright fluorescent lights, ensuring more than ten hours of light exposure each day, and they can still maintain growth.

The growing location must also stay ventilated and let light through. Avoid keeping them in enclosed spaces. For example, mint, which is extremely adaptable to the environment, is especially prone to fungal diseases in a dry, unventilated indoor space.

6. Pruning regularly

If you want herb plants to grow vigorously, be sure to prune them. For example, the most common basil and mint need regular pruning if you want their branches and leaves to grow densely.

Once you find leaves with disease spots or that have wilted, be sure to cut them off promptly, and do not leave fallen leaves in the potting soil either.

If you find that the branches have grown relatively long, pinch off the tips appropriately. After cutting off the tender tips at the top of the leaves, you can encourage continuous branching, but the cut openings from pruning must avoid contact with water, otherwise they can easily become infected with pathogens.

7. Propagating by cuttings

If you want to propagate herb plants better, be sure to learn to propagate them from stem cuttings. The simpler ones include mint, thyme, basil, oregano and rosemary, among others. They all grow very easily. Cut off a stem, remove the lower leaves, and insert it in water or soil, and it will quickly take root and sprout.

8. Understand the different varieties

Before cultivating herb plants, be sure to understand the specific varieties clearly. For example, the most common mint has some edible varieties and some inedible varieties, so be sure to check clearly before buying. They also have different flavors, and their fragrances vary as well.

9. Avoid excessive spreading

If your herb plants are grown in the yard, then avoid letting them spread excessively. It is best to grow them in pots or use some fencing to separate them. For mint or thyme, which spread easily, you just need to prune them regularly and cut off all the overgrown branches and leaves.

10. Harvest promptly

The longer you care for herb plants, the more experience you will gain, and you will find that your balcony and yard become flooded with large patches of herb plants, especially mint, basil and thyme.

The best way to deal with these vigorously growing herbs is to harvest and eat them promptly. They are very suitable for making seasonings, tea drinks and salads.