How Can I Help Herbs Survive and Thrive?

Do you have any secrets that would help me to grow herbs? I love to cook with different herbs, but buying fresh herbs is getting expensive, so I have been trying to grow fresh herbs. But all I seem to be able to grow is dirt. I live in Florida so I should be able to grow things all year long, but I know that the sun can be a bit strong so I try to keep the herbs inside close to a window. But they seem to keep dying. Please help! —Angel

I feel your pain. For the longest time, whenever I talked about my gardening abilities I said I have a "brown thumb"—in other words, a touch that turns lush plants into brittle, brown leaves. If I wasn't forgetting to water my plants, I was over-watering them. But after countless plant deaths, the solution suddenly dawned on me: I just needed to give each plant what it needed to thrive.

Herbs are fairly hearty plants, but like all plants, you have to create the right environment for them.

Growing your herbs indoors may be the problem. If you have central air, your air conditioning may be producing a cool, dry environment that is thwarting your efforts. I'd encourage you to grow your herbs outdoors; if you're lucky enough to have the climate for year round growing, don't fight it.

While growing herbs outdoors is ideal, you're right, not all herbs like full sun. Thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano love the sun, but mustard, parsley, and basil want a little shade when the sun's at its hottest. Grow some taller plants, or plant your garden so it's partially shaded by a tree or your home during the blistering afternoon sunshine.

When you're planting, start with a quality organic soil. Not only will good soil help retain moisture, it will infuse your garden with nitrogen and other nutrients that will help your herbs thrive.

Feeding your plants is also important. If you want them to continuously produce new leaves, they need to be nourished on a regular basis. Add a little organic compost weekly to replenish the nitrogen in the soil. Lastly, water your garden in the morning to ensure your soil stays moist throughout the hot afternoon.

Aside from the right growing conditions, you have two options for starting your plants: You can grow plants from seeds or buy seedlings, which have usually been growing about six to eight weeks when you buy them.

If you're having trouble growing plants, you may want to buy seedlings. But, on the other hand, if you've been buying seedlings without much success, consider planting your own.