9 Common Indoor Herb Growing Mistakes to Avoid in 2024

Ugh, don’t you just hate it when your herbs give up the ghost? I’ve been there, thinking I’ve cracked the code to a year-round supply of fresh basil, only to end up with a sad, wilted mess on my windowsill.

Talk about a green thumb fail.

But here’s the kicker – we’re not alone in this herbal struggle. A recent National Gardening Association survey spilled the tea: a whopping 35% of us indoor gardeners are out here fumbling with our herbs.

Yikes!

But hey, don’t toss in the trowel just yet! I’ve been down this rabbit hole of disappointment and I will tell you, there’s hope. After some serious trial and error (emphasis on the error), I’ve figured out the top blunders we’re all making. And they are totally fixable.

1. Overwatering: The Silent Herb Killer

Overwatering can wreak havoc on indoor herbs. I’ve learned the hard way that too much water suffocates roots, leading to yellowing leaves, wilting, and even mold. It’s a common mistake – I used to water daily, thinking more was better.

Check soil moisture about an inch deep before watering. If it’s dry, give a thorough soak until water drains out. But never let herbs sit in standing water.

Different herbs have varying needs. Basil likes it moist, while rosemary prefers drier soil. Good drainage is key – mix perlite into your potting soil and ensure pots have holes.

Watch for signs of trouble: yellowing leaves, droopy plants, or fuzzy mold on the soil surface. If you spot these, ease up on watering.

Herbs aren’t like us – they don’t need constant hydration. By watering less frequently but more deeply, you’ll cultivate healthier, more flavorful plants.

2. Keeping Your Herbs in the Dark with Insufficient Light

I’ve made the rookie mistake of tucking my herb garden in a dim corner, thinking they’d be fine. Spoiler alert: they weren’t. Most herbs crave at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Basil, cilantro, and parsley are real sun-worshippers, while mint and thyme can tolerate a bit less.

Light-starved herbs get leggy, with pale, stretched-out stems reaching for any hint of brightness. Leaves might yellow or drop off. Growth slows to a crawl, and you can forget about that robust flavor you were hoping for.

A south-facing windowsill is herb heaven. If that’s not an option, try west or east-facing spots. No bright windows? Don’t despair! I’ve had great success with grow lights. LED options are energy-efficient and don’t heat up like older bulbs.

Keep an eye on your herbs. If they’re leaning towards the light source or looking pale and spindly, it’s time to relocate or supplement with artificial lighting.

3. Starving Your Herbs By Neglecting Proper Nutrition

I used to think herbs were low-maintenance, but boy, was I wrong. Just like us, they need a balanced diet. The essential nutrients include:

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sulfur

Nutrient-starved herbs show telltale signs: yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or weird discolorations. Once, my basil leaves turned purple – it turns out it was just screaming for phosphorus.

For indoor herbs I swear by a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal NPK ratios (like 10-10-10). Liquid seaweed or fish emulsion works wonders too. Just dilute it to half-strength – herbs aren’t big eaters.

I fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season, but ease up in the winter when growth slows down. I always water before fertilizing to avoid burning roots.

If leaves look burnt or growth goes crazy, you’ve overdone it. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for lush, flavorful herbs.

4. Ignoring Pest Infestations: Unwanted Guests in Your Herb Garden

Even indoor herbs aren’t safe from tiny invaders. Common culprits include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and fungus gnats (gross.)

Early detection is the key. Look for discolored or distorted leaves, sticky residue, or fine webbing. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly – that’s where the sneaky bugs like to hide.

For natural control I’ve had success with neem oil sprays and insecticidal soaps. Sometimes, a strong blast of water does the trick too. If things get really bad, pyrethrin-based insecticides can help, but use them sparingly.

Prevention is your best bet. I keep my herbs well-spaced for good air circulation and avoid overwatering. A weekly wipe-down of leaves with a damp cloth works wonders. And don’t forget to quarantine new plants before introducing them to your herb family.

Staying vigilant might seem like a chore, but trust me, it beats losing your entire herb garden to a pest party.

5. Suffocating Your Herbs with Poor Air Circulation

Good air circulation is crucial for healthy growth and disease prevention. It turns out herbs need to breathe just like we do.

Stagnant air can lead to a host of problems. I’ve seen mold flourish on my basil and watched parsley wilt from excess humidity. Poor airflow also makes it easier for pests to set up shop. Not fun.

To improve circulation I space my pots at least a few inches apart. Pruning helps too, allowing air to move freely through the plant. I’ve even started rotating my herbs weekly to ensure all sides get equal exposure.

For an extra boost I use a small oscillating fan on low setting for a few hours daily. It mimics the natural breezes outdoor herbs enjoy. Just be careful not to overdo it – herbs aren’t fans of constant wind either. Give ’em room to breathe!

6. Harvesting Incorrectly: Stunting Your Herbs’ Growth

For most herbs, snip stems just above a leaf intersection. With basil, pinch off the top sets of leaves to encourage business.

Avoid these rookie mistakes: never take more than 1/3 of the plant at once, and don’t strip entire stems bare. Regular pruning is key for bushy growth.

For every stem you snip, two new ones sprout. It’s like magic. I trim my herbs even when I’m not using them, just to keep them happy.

Timing matters too. Harvest in the morning after the dew dries for best flavor. And here’s a pro tip: herbs are most flavorful just before they flower. Who knew?

7. Setting Your Herbs Up for Failure By Choosing the Wrong Soil

I once potted my herbs in regular garden soil, thinking “dirt is dirt.” Right? Nope, big mistake. Herbs need well-draining soil to thrive indoors. Dense soil leads to root rot faster than you can say “wilted basil.”

An ideal herb mix balances moisture retention and drainage. I swear by a blend of potting soil, perlite, and compost. The potting soil provides nutrients, perlite ensures drainage, and compost feeds the herbs slowly.

Here’s my go-to DIY mix:

• 2 parts quality potting soil
• 1 part perlite or coarse sand
• 1 part compost

Never use garden soil for indoor herbs. It’s too heavy and may harbor pests or diseases.

Good soil is the foundation of healthy herbs. Get this right and you’re halfway to a thriving indoor herb garden.

8. Ignoring Temperature Fluctuations: Hot and Cold Stress

After a lot of trial and error, most indoor herbs seem to thrive between 65-75°F, but can tolerate 55-80°F.

Extreme heat can cause wilting and leaf burn, while cold can lead to stunted growth or even death. I’ve seen basil blacken from a chilly night and mint wilt in the heat of a sunny afternoon.

Keep herbs away from drafty windows and heat sources like radiators. I use a thermometer to monitor temperatures and adjust accordingly. In winter, I move plants inward and use grow lights if needed. Summer means more frequent watering and occasional misting for humidity.

Seasonal care is key. I reduce watering and hold off on fertilizing in winter when growth slows. Come spring, I gradually reintroduce them to more light and resume regular care.

9. Forgetting to Rotate: Uneven Growth and Development

Indoor herbs naturally lean towards their light sources, leading to lopsided growth if left unchecked. Signs of neglected rotation include elongated stems, sparse foliage on one side, and leaves all facing one direction.

It’s not just about looks; uneven growth can weaken the plant and reduce overall yield.

I rotate my herbs a quarter turn every 3-4 days. For faster-growing herbs like basil or cilantro, I might rotate more frequently. Slower growers like rosemary can go a week between turns.

Pro tip: Mark one side of the pot to track rotations. And don’t just spin them – swap positions too! This ensures all plants get equal light exposure, especially if you’re using grow lights.

Wrapping Up

By avoiding these 9 common indoor herb growing mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving herb garden right in your own home (or apartment.)

Remember that even seasoned gardeners face uphill battles, so don’t get discouraged if you encounter a few bumps along the way.

With some patience, care, and mindfulness, you’ll soon be snipping fresh herbs year-round.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves, grab some pots, and start growing.