Troubleshooting
Herb garden problems — and how to fix them
Herb garden (mixed culinary herbs) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leggy herbs
Insufficient light or skipped pinching.
Bolting (flowering)
Heat or day length triggers flowering; pinch buds and replant.
Powdery mildew
Common on mint and sage in humid weather; improve airflow.
Aphids
Most common on basil and parsley; rinse off with water.
Prevent herb garden problems before they start
Most herb garden issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Herb garden problems — FAQ
Why is my herb garden leggy herbs?
Insufficient light or skipped pinching.
Why is my herb garden bolting (flowering)?
Heat or day length triggers flowering; pinch buds and replant.
Why is my herb garden powdery mildew?
Common on mint and sage in humid weather; improve airflow.
Why is my herb garden aphids?
Most common on basil and parsley; rinse off with water.