Have you ever attempted to transplant supermarket herbs into your garden, only to watch them wither away? You’re not alone.
Why grow supermarket herbs at home?
Growing herbs at home offers numerous benefits: it’s cost-effective, ensures top-quality produce, provides convenience, and guarantees fresh herbs year-round. Plus, the aromatic fragrance of herbs in your home is an added bonus. While most people know they can grow herbs from seeds, many wonder if they can cultivate the herbs bought from the supermarket.
The answer is yes — you can grow new plants from supermarket herbs, as many are sold with intact roots. This article guides you through simple and effective methods to grow fresh herbs in your garden without starting from seeds.
Why supermarket herbs often die
If you’ve bought a small pot of herbs from the supermarket, you might have noticed how quickly they wilt, despite your best efforts to care for them. While mint varieties can be more resilient, other herbs are often fast-growing and short-lived. These “living herbs” are usually overcrowded in small pots, causing them to compete for nutrients and space.
With just a windowsill, balcony, or backyard garden, you can easily transplant store-bought herbs to enjoy a fresh supply for months to come.
How to successfully transplant supermarket herbs
1. Pick the healthiest herbs
Choose herbs that look vibrant and healthy. Avoid those with drooping stems, yellowing leaves, or any signs of wilting. If the herbs have a date label, select the ones with the latest date.
If your herbs come in a small pot, carefully remove them and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white.
2. Find the right containers
Choose a pot or container with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, and make sure it’s larger than the original container the herbs came in. A well-draining soil or potting mix designed for herbs and vegetables is ideal. To improve drainage, consider mixing some sand, perlite, or compost into your garden soil.
3. Transfer your herbs gently
Handle your herbs carefully to avoid damaging the roots. If they’re in a small plastic pot, gently press the sides to loosen the soil and roots. Then, tip the pot upside down and slowly remove the plant.
If the roots are bound tightly, gently tease them with your fingers. Trim any brown or damaged roots to encourage healthy growth in the new environment.
4. Plant in the new pot
Once you’re satisfied with the plant’s condition, place it in the larger container and fill it with soil. Ensure the roots are covered, but keep the stem above the soil line. Press the soil gently to remove any air pockets and stabilize the plant.
5. Water your herbs
After transplanting, water your herbs thoroughly, making sure the soil is evenly moist, but not soggy. Check that excess water is draining properly. Keep a close eye on moisture levels in the first few weeks as your plants adjust to their new home.
6. Find the right spot for each herb
Different herbs have varying light and soil requirements. For instance, thyme thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, while mint can grow vigorously even in partial shade. Always check the specific needs of each herb to provide the best growing conditions.
Herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano, marjoram, and tarragon require full sunlight, whereas herbs like parsley, lemon balm, chamomile, and chervil can tolerate partial shade. Some plants, such as cilantro and chamomile, prefer full sun but may struggle in extreme heat, so consider seasonal adjustments.
7. Prune and maintain regularly
Regularly check your supermarket herbs for watering needs — water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pruning is essential for promoting bushier growth and maintaining the shape of your plants.
Fertilize every few weeks using compost tea or diluted organic fertilizer to keep your herbs healthy and vibrant.
Takeaway
With the proper care, you can transform short-lived supermarket herbs into thriving plants in your garden or home. By providing the right soil, drainage, sunlight, and watering routine, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown herbs in just a few weeks!
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