How do I keep my herb plants alive???

Question

I just bought some herb plants from the farmer's market...two kinds of basil, one lemon tyme, and one trailing rosemary. The basil I'm not too worried about; I usually do okay with it. The thyme and rosemary I always seem to fail with. They are newly planted with fresh soil in their own pots. They're on the back porch, with lots of sun, but not full direct sun. I'm in New Orleans, and full sun all day is a killer for a lot of plants. I plan to bring them in when it gets cold and put them in a sunny window. What else should I do to keep them alive and get them to grow full? Like, how often do I water and trim them?

Answer 1

I would  feed your plants now about half the strength that the package says.  as it gets later in the season, cut back the amount of fertilizer and keep the plants well trimmed.  as the sun moves in the fall, it grows weaker.  That raises a problem arises of enough  sunlight.  Don't try too keep in the same shape it is in the summer.But living in New Orleans you have a much better chance of health plants all year.  Living in northern Illinois is much colder.  lol.

hope this helps.

Answer 2

For your thyme and rosemary.. like all herbs, the more sun the better for them.. but you'll need to check them a few times a day for water. Stick your finger (or if you really don't like getting dirty, a working water meter) down to the bottom of the pot, and wait to water until the soil is borderline dry, just barely moist, then soak them until water comes out the bottom pot holes. Make sure your pots have drainage holes! Try not to plant your herbs in too big of a pot per plant, unless you're making a community garden too.  Fertilize half-dosage all purpose fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Once your plants start growing, maybe double their size, start trimming them, feel free to use your trimmings! The more you make the plant brand, the bigger and more prolific they will be. Good luck!