Managing Overgrown Container Herbs
If you have container herbs that have gotten too big and unruly, don’t worry! There are several things you can do to get them under control and thriving again.
Pruning Back Overgrown Herb Plants
One of the simplest ways to manage overgrown herbs is to prune them back. This will help to keep them from getting too leggy and weak, and it will also encourage them to produce more leaves. When pruning herbs, be sure to cut back to a healthy set of leaves. You can also use the clippings for cooking or to make tea.
Propagating Herbs
Another way to manage overgrown herbs is to propagate them. This means taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to create new plants. Propagating herbs is very easy, and it’s a great way to get more plants for free.
To propagate herbs, simply take a cutting from the stem of the plant, just below a node. Nodes are the points where leaves meet the stem. Remove any of the lower leaves from the cutting, and then insert the cutting into a moist potting mix. You can also use moist perlite or vermiculite.
Keep the cuttings in a warm, shaded area, and they should root within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them into individual pots.
Dividing Herbs
If you don’t want to take cuttings, you can also divide your overgrown herbs at the roots. This is a quick and easy way to get multiple new plants.
To divide herbs, simply remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots into two or more sections. Be sure to replant the divisions in individual pots with fresh potting mix.
Giving Herbs More Light
If your indoor herbs are weak and leggy, they may not be getting enough light. Herbs need a lot of sunlight to grow strong and healthy. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can use artificial light to supplement the natural light.
When using artificial light, be sure to place the lights close to the plants and leave them on for 14-16 hours each day.
Additional Tips for Managing Overgrown Herbs
- Water your herbs regularly, but be sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize your herbs every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Repot your herbs into larger pots as they grow.
By following these tips, you can keep your container herbs healthy and under control.
Long-Tail Keyword Phrases Used:
- How to manage out of control herb plants
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- Pruning back overgrown herb plants to get more leaves
- Propagating overgrown herbs for friends or your garden
- Taking cuttings of herbs to propagate them
- Dividing herbs at the roots to make new plants
- Giving overgrown herbs more light to make them strong
- Using artificial light to increase light intensity for indoor herbs
