Fresh herbs are always welcome in the kitchen. Nice if you can grow them in your own garden or in a flower box or flower pot on the balcony. When cultivating, the question arises as to whether potting soil is suitable or whether one should switch to a special herbal soil.

Pure potting soil is not for herbs

Soil requirements of the herbs

Depending on which herbs are involved, the requirements for nutrients, water and soil conditions also vary.
While Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, prefer dry and sandy soil, parsley, chives and peppermint like a nutrient-rich soil mixed with compost.
In general, the soil for all herbs should be loose and permeable, the tender 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.

Reasons to avoid pure potting soil

Potting soil is specially put together for indoor, potted, balcony and patio plants. It contains nitrogen, phosphates and sulfur in higher concentrations, but less potassium than normal garden soil. Important components are peat or humus, fibers and clay granules. Herbs don't do well in pure potting soil because

  • it is too dense and too rich in humus
  • it lets less water through than garden soil
  • waterlogging can quickly occur
  • Mold can form quickly due to the higher humidity
  • the nutrient content is too high due to fertilizer depots
  • Too many nutrients can lead to growth disorders in the herbs, for example yellow leaves if there is an excess of calcium

The right soil for cultivating herbs

The easiest way to find the right herbal soil is to go to the garden store. A wide variety of special soils 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 mixed with sand or grit (€46.95). This will result in a looser soil with an appropriate nutrient content and permeability.

The mixing ratio of the ingredients depends on the requirements of the herbs.
Ordinary garden soil can also be used if it is supplemented with compost, sand and soil improvement granules.

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