Louisiana Herb Gardens

Soil

• Louisiana soil tends towards a higher acidity than most herbs prefer. Gardeners with acidic soil can add lime before each new planting. Herb growers may also struggle with a thick layer of clay found only 6-inches below the topsoil. This clay layer holds moisture, which can damage herbs. Adding a generous layer of compost and mulch between each planting improves drainage.

Water

• Louisiana's wet weather allows gardeners to water sparingly. Water wilting, parched plants early in the morning only around the base of the plants. This prevents rot and fungal infections caused by overly moist conditions.

Plant selection

• Some herb varieties thrive more readily in Louisiana's environment than others. Rather than growing traditional garden sage, Louisiana gardeners plant the aromatic pineapple sage. While many basil plants flower early in the summer heat, Aussie sweet and Greek columnar basil produce leaves late into the season. Elephant garlic, an important ingredient in Cajun cuisine, does not rot in the ground as readily as common garlic.