☀️ Sun-Loving Herbs for Your Garden

Though it's already September, it's hot as hades out there and the plants feel it! I really have to keep an eye on my plants these days to make sure they don't get parched.

Shade vs. Sun: Finding the Balance for Herbs

In the summer, almost all herbs can handle (and want) some shade during the day. The ideal situation is sun in the morning, shade in the afternoon.

That being said, herbs that I have in direct sun all day are rosemary, lemon grass, chives (garlic chives do best), echinacea, bay, elephant garlic, soapwort, various Artemisia’s, white sage, Mexican tarragon, and lavender, and they do fine. By no means are these the only ones that can tolerate the sun all day, and most of these can handle partial to heavy shade during the summer as well.

Watering Tips for Sun-Loving Herbs

BUT, my sun garden has well-drained soil with micro irrigation, so I can water if necessary during droughts. If you do not have irrigation, you definitely need to keep an eye on your plants to make sure they stay moist. Check out this soil moisture meter. I love it because it's a fool-proof method for knowing when your plants need water or not!

I have great success with rosemary in most places, both in sun and heavy shade. Yes, most varieties of rosemary bloom depending on the variety and conditions, and like roses, some bloom once a year and some all year long. This is fine. They don’t like wet feet and want good airflow. Never trim more than a ⅓ of the plant at a time. If you need to trim back a lot, trim, let it rest, and come back and do more.

Lavender likes lots of sun and high PH. Most all herbs like high PH, but lavender is definitely one that likes a lot of lime. Don’t plant near happy roses, azaleas, or blueberries (low PH acid lovers). Towards the end of winter (January or February), you should notice new growth at the base of the plant. I don’t care how great looking the plant looks—you need to severely cut it back, at least ¾ of the plant. This is hard to do, even for those of us who have been doing it for years.

Grow Your Own Herbs from Cuttings

Would you like to learn how to grow your own herbs from store-bought cuttings? Perhaps your garden shop doesn't have a particular herb you really love. This is a great way to have what you want growing in your own garden!

Click on the button below to get your FREE video tutorial on how to plant and grow your very own herbs from the cuttings from the store!

Get your FREE tutorial video here!