Develop consistent watering practices and gentle fertilizing routines. Understanding moisture needs prevents the most common indoor herb problems.
Insert your finger 2-3cm into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, water thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom. If still moist, wait another day and test again. This simple technique prevents both over and under-watering, the two most common causes of herb failure. Canadian homes with forced-air heating dry soil quickly in winter, requiring more frequent checks than summer months.
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and fungus gnats indicate over-watering, which suffocates roots and promotes rot. Allow soil to dry significantly between waterings, improve drainage by adding perlite, and ensure pots have adequate drainage holes. In severe cases, repot in fresh, dry soil and trim away black, mushy roots with clean scissors. Prevention is easier than cure: water less frequently and more thoroughly.
Wilting, crispy leaf edges, and stunted growth signal insufficient water. Basil and cilantro show symptoms quickly, often drooping within hours of soil drying. Water immediately and deeply, ensuring moisture reaches all root zones. Establish a consistent schedule based on the finger test rather than calendar days, as Canadian home conditions vary widely with seasons, heating, and humidity levels. Thirsty herbs recover quickly with prompt attention.
Water herbs in the morning so foliage dries during daylight hours, reducing fungal disease risk. Morning watering also allows plants to absorb moisture before afternoon heat or artificial lighting increases transpiration. Avoid evening watering, which leaves soil wet overnight in cool Canadian nights, encouraging mould and mildew. If you must water evenings, apply directly to soil and avoid wetting leaves.
Canadian municipal tap water is generally excellent for herbs and requires no filtration or treatment. Let water sit at room temperature for 24 hours to dissipate chlorine if concerned, though modern chloramine treatment doesn't harm plants. Avoid softened water, which contains excess sodium harmful to herbs. Collected rainwater is ideal but unnecessary for successful indoor gardening. Use what's convenient and accessible.
Feed herbs every 3-4 weeks during active growth with liquid fertilizer diluted to half the package recommendation. Herbs are light feeders; excess nutrients create lush but flavourless leaves. Use balanced formulas (10-10-10) or fish emulsion for organic options. Reduce feeding to monthly in winter when growth naturally slows. Fresh potting soil provides adequate nutrition for the first 6-8 weeks, so newly potted herbs need no immediate fertilizing.
Place pots in a tray of water 3-5cm deep and let soil absorb moisture from below for 20-30 minutes. This technique ensures thorough saturation without washing away soil or disturbing seeds. Particularly useful for herbs in smaller pots or those with delicate foliage like cilantro. Empty the tray once soil surface feels moist. This method reduces water waste and prevents fungal issues from overhead watering.
Most culinary herbs tolerate the 30-50% humidity common in heated Canadian homes. Increase humidity by grouping plants together, placing pots on pebble-filled trays with water, or running a room humidifier during dry winter months. Basil appreciates extra humidity, while Mediterranean herbs like rosemary prefer drier air. Avoid misting foliage, which promotes fungal diseases without significantly improving humidity levels.
Winter heating dries indoor air, often requiring more frequent watering despite shorter days and slower growth. Summer air conditioning also reduces humidity, increasing water needs. Conversely, spring and autumn shoulder seasons may need less frequent watering in milder Canadian temperatures. Always rely on the finger test rather than fixed schedules, as home conditions fluctuate with weather, heating systems, and household activities.
For absences up to one week, water thoroughly before leaving and group plants in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity is naturally higher. Two-week trips require self-watering systems or a trusted neighbour. Wick irrigation systems, where fabric strips draw water from a reservoir into soil, work reliably for extended absences. Move plants away from intense light to slow growth and reduce water consumption during your Canadian vacation.