Warning: My attempt at indoor herbs ended with a pot of dirt

I tried growing basil and mint from seeds in my kitchen. They sprouted fine, but I got excited and watered them twice a day. Now it's just soggy soil and a faint smell of regret. Any tips for not killing plants with kindness? I'm open to easy options.

3 comments

3 Comments

king.wesley2mo ago

Have you tried the finger test I read about, like @oscarkelly suggested?

oscarkelly2mo ago

Twice a day watering is a classic rookie move, I did the same with my first cilantro. Herbs like that need the top inch of soil to dry out between drinks. Kitchens can be tricky with light too. Was your pot sitting right on the windowsill or further back on the counter? That makes a huge difference for how fast the soil dries. What direction does that window face, east or south?

anthony8832mo ago

Yeah I used to water my basil like crazy until someone told me the same thing. @oscarkelly is totally right about the soil drying out first. My plants got way happier after I stopped drowning them.