How to Grow Taller Herbs

Planning

• 1

  Draw out plans for your garden beforehand. Make sure taller-growing herbs don't block the sun for short herbs, which could end up stunted.

• 2

  Follow directions for each individual herb for best results. Planting and tending directions vary from herb to herb. Sow oregano for full sun, provide moderate water and trim to prevent flowering. Grow peppermint in moist soil and partial shade.

• 3

  Choose slightly raised ground for an herb garden to keep the plants from resting in soil where water may collect.

Planting

• 4

  Plant herbs in full sunshine and well-drained soil for tall, full herbs. Most herbs are of Mediterranean origin and thrive with low watering.

• 5

  Water herbs kept in containers more frequently and provide afternoon shade to grow taller container plants. Water evaporates from the soil more quickly in containers.

• 6

  Stake herbs to a skewer as they grow, fastening the plant stem loosely to the stick with twisty-ties or pipe cleaners. This will encourage tall, upright growth.

Fertilize

• 7

  Mulch the herbs with household compost. One application should last the entire season. The mulch will prevent rain from hammering the soil over the roots, compacting the soil. Compost also adds valuable nutrients.

• 8

  Mix a glob of fish emulsion in a watering can, fill with water, slosh it around to dissolve, and water the herbs every week or two. Container herbs especially appreciate the natural fertilizer. The emulsion is created from the unused parts of the fish after they are processed for food or oil.

• 9

  Add a commercial fertilizer to the soil. Fertilizers for herbs are designed to encourage lush foliage, without sacrificing the flavor-bearing oil.