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Home / Food Gardening / Herb Gardening / How To Fertilize Herbs In The Organic Garden

How To Fertilize Herbs In The Organic Garden

By Amy Andrychowicz | 4 Comments

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Herbs aren’t heavy feeders, so you don't need to fertilize them as often as other plants in your garden. But they do benefit from a feeding now and then, especially when grown in containers. Learn all about the different types of organic plant food to use for herbs in pots or the garden (liquid and granular), and find out which are the best. Plus get tons of easy tips and instructions for how to fertilize herbs, including when, how often, and how much to feed them.

Fertilizing herbs is easy, and helps to keep them growing and looking great. In this post, I’ll talk about different types of herb fertilizer, and which are the best. Then I’ll show you when, how often, how much, and exactly how to fertilize herbs.

How To Fertilize Herbs In The Organic Garden

One of the best things about growing herbs is that they are very low maintenance plants. Which means they don’t require a ton of care.

So don’t be intimidate by the thought of fertilizing herbs, it’s really not that difficult! I’m going to break it all down, and make this super easy for you.

Here’s what you’ll find in this detailed herb fertilizer guide…

  • Do Herbs Need Fertilizer?
  • Best Fertilizer To Use
    • Slow Release Granules
    • Liquid Fertilizers
  • When To Fertilize
  • How Often To Fertilize
  • How Much Should You Use?
  • How To Fertilize

Do Herbs Need Fertilizer?

Herbs are not heavy feeders, so you don’t need to fertilize them as often as other plants in your garden. But they do benefit from a feeding now and then, especially when grown in containers.

Herbs in containers will require more fertilizer than those growing in the garden. That’s because nutrients are flushed out of the pot every time you water. And containerized herbs have no way to replenish the nutrients they use up as they grow.

Feeding herbs in containers using compost tea

Feeding herbs in containers using compost tea

Best Fertilizer For Herbs

The best type of fertilizer to use for herbs is one that is rich in nitrogen, which will encourage vigorous leaf growth. Stay away from those that are higher in phosphorus, as that will encourage blooming

Also, it’s always best to use natural products, rather than chemical ones. They are not only healthier for us, but they’re much better for the plants too.

Synthetic fertilizers strip the soil of its natural nutrients, which is not good for the long term health of the plant. Plus, it’s way too easy to overuse them, which can damage plants and cause fertilizer burn.

Organic products work with nature, adding a wealth of rich nutrients to the soil and the plants. There are tons of wonderful options for organic herb fertilizer on the market these days, and they are all super easy to use.

Slow Release Granules

Granular fertilizers release nutrients into the soil over time. They aren’t immediately available for absorption, but they do feed herbs longer. So you don’t need to apply them very often.

Here are my favorite types of granules I use to fertilize herbs…

  • Organic granules
  • Natural compost (commercial or homemade)
  • Earthworm castings
  • Composted manure
  • Root zone feeder packs

Liquid Fertilizers

Water soluble fertilizers can be absorbed quickly, so they’re great for giving herbs a quick boost of nutrients. But they don’t last as long as granular types, so they need to be applied more often.

Here are some excellent options of liquids for fertilizing herbs…

  • Liquid kelp seaweed
  • Compost tea concentrate
  • Worm castings tea
  • Compost tea bags
  • Fish emulsion
Organic plant food for herbs

Slow release organic plant food for herbs

When To Fertilize Herbs

You can fertilize herbs any time during the day, but never feed them if they are drooping or stressed. Fertilizing herbs that are under stress can severely damage, or even kill them.

So always be sure to check to make sure the soil isn’t dried out before feeding. If the soil is dry, or the plant is drooping, then give it a good drink of water several hours in advance.

How Often To Fertilize Herbs

Herbs don’t need to be fertilized very often, so don’t stress over following a strict regimen. For best results, always follow the instructions on the label.

But in general, granules only need to be applied once or twice during the growing season. Add them to the soil at planting time, and then again maybe once more in the middle of the summer.

Liquid fertilizers can be applied more often, but don’t overdo it. Apply them once every 2-4 weeks for herbs in pots, and about every 4-6 weeks for herbs growing in the ground.

How Much Herb Fertilizer Should You Use?

The exact herb fertilizer ratio varies depending on if you’re growing them in the ground or in pots. It also depends on the type of herb fertilize you’re using.

Your first step should always be to read the label on the package. It should tell you how much to use for fertilizing herbs in pots -vs- the garden.

Measuring herb garden fertilizer before use

Measuring herb garden fertilizer before use

How To Fertilize Herbs

The exact steps for how to fertilize herbs depends on whether you’re using granules or a liquid. Always read the label for exact instructions, but here are some general guidelines…

  • Fertilizing herbs using granules – Sprinkle the recommended amount evenly around the base of your herbs. Mix it into the soil using a hand rake, taking care not to disturb the roots. Water the soil to activate the granules.
  • Feeding herbs with liquid fertilizer – Mix the recommended amount with water in a watering can. Then slowly pour it over the top of the soil around the base of the plant.
Fertilizing herb plants in garden using granules

Fertilizing herb plants in garden using granules

Fertilizing herbs isn’t required, but it will help them grow, and look great too. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see just how easy it is. And you’ll know exactly what to look for in order to buy the best organic fertilizer for herbs!

Recommended Products

More Herb Gardening Posts

  • 11 Easy Herbs To Grow In Your Garden
  • 15 Perennial Herbs To Grow In Your Garden
  • How To Care For Lavender Plants
  • How To Grow Rosemary: The Ultimate Guide

Share your tips for fertilizing herbs, or your favorite fertilizer for herb gardens in the comments below.

Herbs aren’t heavy feeders, so you don't need to fertilize them as often as other plants in your garden. But they do benefit from a feeding now and then, especially when grown in containers. Learn all about the different types of organic plant food to use for herbs in pots or the garden (liquid and granular), and find out which are the best. Plus get tons of easy tips and instructions for how to fertilize herbs, including when, how often, and how much to feed them.

About Amy Andrychowicz

I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! Read More...

Comments

  1. alex says

    August 1, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Didn’t know this was a thing, very helpful !! I think me and the wife will start implementing this

    Reply
    • Amy Andrychowicz says

      August 7, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      Awesome! Happy to help.

      Reply
  2. Bill Fritch says

    July 26, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Coffee grounds are a good fertilizer for herbs.

    Reply
    • Amy Andrychowicz says

      August 7, 2019 at 11:41 am

      Awesome, thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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