Soil requirements of the herbs
Depending on which herbs are involved, the demands on nutrients, water and soil properties also vary.
While Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, tend to have dry and sandy soil prefer parsley, chives and peppermint like a nutrient-rich, mixed with compost Floor.
In general, the soil should be loose and permeable for all herbs, the delicate herbs do not tolerate waterlogging. The need for fertilizer and light also varies. Here you should find out exactly what needs the different herbs have.
also read
- Where can you dispose of potting soil?
- Can you prepare potting soil?
- The right potting soil for balcony plants
Reasons for Avoiding Pure Potting Soil
Potting soil is specially formulated for indoor, potted, balcony and terrace plants. It contains higher concentrations of nitrogen, phosphates and sulfur, but less potassium than normal garden soil. Important ingredients are peat or humus, Fibers and Clay granules. Herbs don't do well in pure potting soil because
- it is too dense and rich in humus
- it lets through less water than garden soil
- waterlogging can quickly occur
- The higher humidity can cause mold to form quickly
- the nutrient content is too high due to fertilizer deposits
- Too many nutrients can cause the herbs to stunt, for example yellow leaves if there is an excess of calcium
The right soil for the cultivation of herbs
The easiest way to find the right herbal soil is to go to a garden center. A wide variety of special earths are offered here.
However, you can mix your own herbal soil. The basis is actually potting soil, which, depending on the type of herb, is made with sand or Grit(€ 49.99 at Amazon *) is mixed. This results in a looser soil with a suitable nutrient content and suitable permeability.
The mixing ratio of the ingredients depends on the demands of the herbs.
Normal garden soil can also be used if it is supplemented with compost, sand and granules to improve the soil.
