To grow herbs successfully , in the garden and in containers , there are three points to attend to:

1. A Sunny position,
2. Well drained, composted soil,
3. Organic fertiliser.

The aim of giving the correct growing conditions is to produce a plant that is:

• More resistant to fungal diseases like rust, black spot and mildew,
  • Plants resistant to diseases require less or no spraying to ensure a natural,organically grown product,
• High in essential oil and other constituents , to ensure:
  • More flavour in culinary herbs,
  • More fragrance in herbs used for aromatherapy and pot-pourri, and
  • More of the active ingredients in herbs used for medicinal purposes.

We can compare the health of a plant to that of a human being. When a person receives the optimum nutrients from a well balanced diet and live in health promoting conditions, then the body function at its optimum to supply enough energy, defend itself against harmful factors and to adapt to changes happening outside it self. In essence, the immune system of the body functions then at its best.

The same will be in the health of a plant. With proper conditions, as set out above, the plant will function at its optimum to supply enough energy, defend itself against harmful factors and to adapt to changes happening around it. In essence, the "immune system" of the plant will function at its best.

1. A Sunny position

For herbs to develop the optimum flavour and fragrance it must be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 4 hours. Plants grown in less direct sun or under dense trees will grow lanky and will not be of much use. Herbs that can tolerate shady areas include Angelica, Viola odorata and Corsican mint.

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2.) Soil conditions

The growth of the plant foliage depends on the soil conditions and the root system.

• The root system supplies the water and all the minerals that are extracted from the soil to the foliage for growth.
• The foliage in return supplies the products of photosynthesis that is necessary for the roots to grow and to store the excess for later use.

A Healthy root system will produce healthy foliage and healthy foliage will encourage the maintenance of a healthy root system. If there is a problem in one or the other, the plant's growth will deteriorate and eventually die.

To encourage root growth, a well-drained, composted soil is needed. Herbs won't grow in waterlogged soil conditions. In waterlogged conditions the roots can't respirate and will die off due to breakdown of the cells and fungal infections.

In containers this fact becomes even more crucial because water can stay in the pot if there is no proper drainage. Therefore a proper potting soil , with a balance between drainage and absorption is necessary.

Put pebbles or any other course material in the bottom of the pot that will prevent the blockage of the drainage holes. Only then fill the pot with a well-composted potting mixture. Don't use garden soil in containers due to the lack of proper drainage.

Composting

The soil in the garden is a fundamental principle in herb gardening. By supplying compost as a mulch of approximately 3-cm thick it will:

1. Support the natural flora of the soil (beneficial bacteria, insects and other micro-organisms),
2. Prevent extreme temperature fluctuations (winter and summer),
3. Prevent excessive water lost (especially in the hot summer months),
4. Supply organic nutrients,
5. Supplies organic matter for absorption of minerals, and
6. Suppress the growth of weeds.

Always remember that the soil is a living entity filled with living organisms. By encouraging the growth and population of the beneficial organisms the soil will support the development of a strong, healthy root system.
In nature we find the same principle where old, decaying leaves and other plant material provide the compost on the soil surface with all the benefits as above.

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3) Organic fertiliser

The Benefits of Organic fertiliser:

• It supplies a wide range of macro (Nitrogen N; Phosphate P; Potassium K) and micronutrients, as well as trace elements.
• It brakes down over a period of time and is therefore longer available to the plant and doesn't leach out as quickly as pure chemical fertilisers.
• Excess of chemical fertilisers will produce plants with soft foliage that is more susceptible to diseases and with lower beneficial properties.
• A balanced organic fertiliser will be beneficial to the soil and encourage the growth of a healthy root system and foliage.

It is always necessary to put organic fertiliser back into the soil because the natural cycle is broken when we harvest the plants and use them. In nature (like a forest) the nutrients that are absorbed and used by the plant, return back to the soil ones the leaves drop to the soil, becomes compost and decay.
To reinact this process in the garden the role of compost and organic fertiliser becomes evident.

It is therefore even more important to have a regular feeding program for plants grown in containers. The availability of nutrients depend on the fertilising program. Fertilize containers at least once a month according to the recommended application rate.

Organic Fertilizer