Green Living
This is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)
February 18, 2021
Herbs can be really easy to care for, but as with any plant, you may encounter some difficulties. If your herbs are struggling or you’re wondering how to grow herbs indoors, these seven tips can help you figure out why they’re dying rather than thriving. If you catch these problems in time, these 5 tips can help you bring them back to life.
Green Living
This is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)
February 18, 2021
Herbs can be really easy to care for, but as with any plant, you may encounter some difficulties. If your herbs are struggling or you’re wondering how to grow herbs indoors, these seven tips can help you figure out why they’re dying rather than thriving. If you catch these problems in time, these 5 tips can help you bring them back to life.
-
They May Be Getting Too Little Light
1/12They May Be Getting Too Little Light
1/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your indoor herbs are struggling to grow, it could be because they’re not getting enough sun. Herbs like chives and oregano prefer bright indirect light, and won’t be too happy in a dark corner of your kitchen, and may look wilted with little or no new growth. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/how-to-brighten-your-home-when-its-getting-darker-1942906/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Decorating Tips to Brighten Up Your Home</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)They May Be Getting Too Little Light
PHOTO 1 of 12READ LESS -If your indoor herbs are struggling to grow, it could be because they’re not getting enough sun. Herbs like chives and oregano prefer bright indirect light, and won’t be too happy in a dark corner of your kitchen, and may look wilted with little or no new growth. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/how-to-brighten-your-home-when-its-getting-darker-1942906/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Decorating Tips to Brighten Up Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
They May Be Getting Too Much Direct Sunlight
2/12They May Be Getting Too Much Direct Sunlight
2/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
On the opposite end of the spectrum, another reason your herbs may look like they’re dying is because of too much sunlight. If your leafy herbs like mint have scorched-looking leaves, they may have the plant equivalent of a sunburn caused by too much direct light. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/best-herbs-medicinal-plants-grow-home-1936580/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Growing herbs at home</a> is a balancing act, so try moving the plant to spot where it gets bright indirect light without the sun’s harsh rays directly on its leaves.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)They May Be Getting Too Much Direct Sunlight
PHOTO 2 of 12READ LESS -On the opposite end of the spectrum, another reason your herbs may look like they’re dying is because of too much sunlight. If your leafy herbs like mint have scorched-looking leaves, they may have the plant equivalent of a sunburn caused by too much direct light. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/best-herbs-medicinal-plants-grow-home-1936580/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Growing herbs at home</a> is a balancing act, so try moving the plant to spot where it gets bright indirect light without the sun’s harsh rays directly on its leaves.Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
They May Be Getting Too Little Water
3/12They May Be Getting Too Little Water
3/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you notice your basil plant wilting, underwatering may be the cause. One way to tell is to stick your finger in the soil – if it’s totally dry, you may not be watering often enough. Another telltale sign? When the soil starts to pull away from your plant’s container, it’s a good indicator that your plant isn’t getting enough water. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)They May Be Getting Too Little Water
PHOTO 3 of 12READ LESS -If you notice your basil plant wilting, underwatering may be the cause. One way to tell is to stick your finger in the soil – if it’s totally dry, you may not be watering often enough. Another telltale sign? When the soil starts to pull away from your plant’s container, it’s a good indicator that your plant isn’t getting enough water. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
They May Be Getting Too Much Water
4/12They May Be Getting Too Much Water
4/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
If your herbs have brown spots forming on their leaves, the cause could be overwatering. A combination of too much water and a pot with too little drainage can create the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. That same bacteria can cause <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/signs-youre-overwatering-your-plants-and-5-signs-you-arent-watering-them-enough-1945369/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener" target="_blank">root rot</a>, which herbs like sage are especially to prone to. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-propagate-plants-top-tips-1944879/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Propagate Your Plants – Our Resident Plant Mom Reveals Her Top Tips!</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)They May Be Getting Too Much Water
PHOTO 4 of 12READ LESS -If your herbs have brown spots forming on their leaves, the cause could be overwatering. A combination of too much water and a pot with too little drainage can create the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. That same bacteria can cause <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/signs-youre-overwatering-your-plants-and-5-signs-you-arent-watering-them-enough-1945369/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener" target="_blank">root rot</a>, which herbs like sage are especially to prone to. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-propagate-plants-top-tips-1944879/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Propagate Your Plants – Our Resident Plant Mom Reveals Her Top Tips!</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
-
Crispy Leaves Could Be Caused by Low Humidity
5/12Crispy Leaves Could Be Caused by Low Humidity
5/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
When it comes to how to grow herbs at home, one of the challenges you can encounter is low humidity. If you’re not <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/backyard-balcony-how-to-build-your-own-greenhouse-1936933/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">growing plants in your own greenhouse</a>, humidity-loving herbs like French parsley can develop crispy leaves that make them look a little worse for wear.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Crispy Leaves Could Be Caused by Low Humidity
PHOTO 5 of 12READ LESS -When it comes to how to grow herbs at home, one of the challenges you can encounter is low humidity. If you’re not <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/backyard-balcony-how-to-build-your-own-greenhouse-1936933/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">growing plants in your own greenhouse</a>, humidity-loving herbs like French parsley can develop crispy leaves that make them look a little worse for wear.Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Low Quality Soil
6/12Low Quality Soil
6/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
If all other conditions seem fine but your herbs aren’t doing well or aren’t putting out new growth, low quality soil may be to blame. Poor quality soil doesn’t have the nutrients your sage and rosemary plants need. A higher quality soil will help your herbs put out lots of new growth to keep your kitchen cute, cozy, and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/simple-things-cozier-happier-kitchen-1935020/#currentSlide=12" rel="noopener" target="_blank">well-stocked for all your culinary adventures</a>.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Low Quality Soil
PHOTO 6 of 12READ LESS -If all other conditions seem fine but your herbs aren’t doing well or aren’t putting out new growth, low quality soil may be to blame. Poor quality soil doesn’t have the nutrients your sage and rosemary plants need. A higher quality soil will help your herbs put out lots of new growth to keep your kitchen cute, cozy, and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/simple-things-cozier-happier-kitchen-1935020/#currentSlide=12" rel="noopener" target="_blank">well-stocked for all your culinary adventures</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
They May Need Fertilizing
7/12They May Need Fertilizing
7/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
When last did you fertilize your herbs? Along with a quality potting soil, fertilizing your plants helps gives them the nutrients they need to thrive and grow. If your parsley has yellowing leaves or is struggling to put out new growth, lack of nutrients may be the reason why. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/blog/gross-ingredients-that-are-surprisingly-great-for-your-compost-1896675/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gross Ingredients That are Surprisingly Great for Your Compost</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)They May Need Fertilizing
PHOTO 7 of 12READ LESS -When last did you fertilize your herbs? Along with a quality potting soil, fertilizing your plants helps gives them the nutrients they need to thrive and grow. If your parsley has yellowing leaves or is struggling to put out new growth, lack of nutrients may be the reason why. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/blog/gross-ingredients-that-are-surprisingly-great-for-your-compost-1896675/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gross Ingredients That are Surprisingly Great for Your Compost</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Repot Them in a High Quality Potting Soil
8/12Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Repot Them in a High Quality Potting Soil
8/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your treasured thyme is struggling and you suspect low quality potting soil may be to blame, repot it in a high quality potting soil. What’s the best soil for herbs? Any high quality potting mix or fruit and vegetable soil mix from your local garden centre will do fine. If you’re looking to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">try your hand at organic gardening</a>, a high quality organic potting mix is a great option as well.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Repot Them in a High Quality Potting Soil
PHOTO 8 of 12READ LESS -If your treasured thyme is struggling and you suspect low quality potting soil may be to blame, repot it in a high quality potting soil. What’s the best soil for herbs? Any high quality potting mix or fruit and vegetable soil mix from your local garden centre will do fine. If you’re looking to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">try your hand at organic gardening</a>, a high quality organic potting mix is a great option as well.Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Them More Light
9/12Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Them More Light
9/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
If your sage’s growth is stunted and it sits in a shady corner of your kitchen, try moving it to a brighter spot in your home. If you’re looking for a weekend DIY project, you can even <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/diy-balcony-herb-garden-balcony-gardening-ideas-1939618/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">turn your balcony into your personal herb garden</a> to give your herbs a guaranteed sunny spot.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Them More Light
PHOTO 9 of 12READ LESS -If your sage’s growth is stunted and it sits in a shady corner of your kitchen, try moving it to a brighter spot in your home. If you’re looking for a weekend DIY project, you can even <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/diy-balcony-herb-garden-balcony-gardening-ideas-1939618/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">turn your balcony into your personal herb garden</a> to give your herbs a guaranteed sunny spot.Photo Credit: Unsplash
-
Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Your Yellowing Herbs a Shot of Fertilizer
10/12Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Your Yellowing Herbs a Shot of Fertilizer
10/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
If your dill and chives are yellowing, it could be a sign that they’re in need of nutrients. Choose a high quality liquid fertilizer and dilute it to half strength to avoid fertilizer burn, which – ironically – can also cause herbs to yellow.Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Give Your Yellowing Herbs a Shot of Fertilizer
PHOTO 10 of 12READ LESS -If your dill and chives are yellowing, it could be a sign that they’re in need of nutrients. Choose a high quality liquid fertilizer and dilute it to half strength to avoid fertilizer burn, which – ironically – can also cause herbs to yellow.Photo Credit: Unsplash
-
Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Mist Humidity-Loving Herbs Every Few Days
11/12Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Mist Humidity-Loving Herbs Every Few Days
11/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your sage or basil leaves are crisping and curling from low humidity, you can add a humidifier to your space or mist your humidity-loving herbs every few days to boost humidity around them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Mist Humidity-Loving Herbs Every Few Days
PHOTO 11 of 12READ LESS -If your sage or basil leaves are crisping and curling from low humidity, you can add a humidifier to your space or mist your humidity-loving herbs every few days to boost humidity around them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Implement a Watering Schedule
12/12Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Implement a Watering Schedule
12/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Herbs that have been underwatered or overwatered can benefit from a watering schedule. Pencil watering day into your calendar or set yourself a weekly reminder – like on a “Water Wednesday” – and water your plants as-needed on that day. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/luckiest-plants-for-your-home-1942064/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Are the 15 Luckiest Plants for Your Home</a>Green LivingThis is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (and 5 Tips to Bring Them Back to Life!)Bring Your Herbs Back to Life: Implement a Watering Schedule
PHOTO 12 of 12READ LESS -Herbs that have been underwatered or overwatered can benefit from a watering schedule. Pencil watering day into your calendar or set yourself a weekly reminder – like on a “Water Wednesday” – and water your plants as-needed on that day. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/luckiest-plants-for-your-home-1942064/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Are the 15 Luckiest Plants for Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
You Might Also Like
