What's happening with your herbs?
Choose the problem that best matches what you're seeing.
Collapsible content
Seeds aren't germinating
Possible causes: Seeds can take different lengths of time to germinate. Compost that's too dry, too wet, unsuitable temperatures or incorrect sowing depth can also affect germination.
What to try: Check the instructions for your particular herb, make sure the compost hasn't dried out or become waterlogged, and give the seeds the recommended warmth and time before starting again.
Seedlings are tall and floppy
Possible cause: Long, thin or leaning seedlings are often stretching towards a stronger source of light.
What to try: Move them somewhere with better light and turn the pot regularly if they're growing towards a window. Handle young seedlings carefully - their stems can be delicate.
Mould is growing on the compost
Possible causes: Constantly damp compost combined with limited airflow can encourage mould or fungal growth.
What to try: Avoid keeping the compost saturated, improve airflow around the plants and remove obviously mouldy material where practical. Check that excess water can drain freely from the pot.
Leaves are turning yellow
Possible causes: Yellow leaves can have several causes, including too much or too little water, poor drainage, insufficient light or normal ageing of older leaves.
What to try: Check the compost before automatically adding more water. Make sure the pot drains properly and that the herb is getting suitable light. Then check the individual Herb Growing Guide for that plant's particular needs.
Seedlings are overcrowded
Possible cause: Lots of seedlings growing very close together can compete for light, water, nutrients and space.
What to try: Once they're large enough to handle safely, thin overcrowded seedlings according to the needs of the herb you're growing, leaving the strongest plants with enough room to develop.
My herbs are wilting
Possible causes: Wilting isn't always a sign that a plant needs more water. Dry compost can cause wilting, but overly wet roots, excessive heat or other stressful growing conditions can produce similar symptoms.
What to try: Feel the compost first. If it's dry, water appropriately; if it's already very wet, don't automatically add more. Check drainage, temperature and light and compare the conditions with the advice for your particular herb.
Still not sure what's wrong?
Sometimes a growing problem doesn't fit neatly into one category. Check your herb's individual growing guide for its preferred conditions and compare these with where and how you're currently growing it.
If you're still unsure, don't be too quick to give up - small changes to watering, light or positioning can sometimes make a big difference as the plant continues to grow.