The 5 Best Potting Soil for Herbs — What to Look For and Top Blends

In this article, we will tell you which soil blends boost the growth of your favorite herbs so that you can boast the perfect home garden you always wanted.

Selecting the best potting soil for herbs is a crucial part of growing a garden. Most people are aware that plants require a good amount of water and sunlight, but several factors affect the growth of herbs and plants. You might not have known that soil also plays a vital role in the development of plants.

In that case, how do you pick which soil or soil blend to use? In general, that depends on the type of herb(s) you are planning to grow. For example thyme and parsley like a more acidic soil, while lavender needs more of alkaline soil.

Here is a guide to tell you everything you need to know about selecting soil for herbs, including which blends are the best.

The soil mix is light and fresh, and a bag contains enough soil to grow a whole herb garden. Soil pH ranges between 6.3 and 6.8, making it ideal for maximizing fertilizer output. Furthermore, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting.

However, the soil lacks any specific components that retain hydration for an extended period, so you should water it frequently.

It contains essential substances ordinary potting soil lacks, such as earthworm castings, which remove pollutants from the soil, and peat moss, which helps deliver micronutrients.

Furthermore, because this soil is ready to use right out of the bag, you won’t have to worry about adding synthetic fertilizers. The pH is ideal for ingesting fertilizer while also assisting plant growth.

This mix is specially formulated for indoor plants. Coconut fiber is used in this herbal potting soil to assist the plants in retaining water.

​​Insects and other tiny bugs are the least favorite things of any plant owner, and for sure, you also don’t want them with your herbs. Therefore, compost and bark, which attract insects, are not included in this soil mix, ensuring that your plants do not invite tiny bugs.

This potting soil is formulated to grow your herbs and plants at twice the pace of ordinary soil. Also, it can both lock in water or increase water flow in the case of overwatering.

Most herbs cannot withstand all four seasons and must be brought indoors at some point. This soil can help you with that because you can use it both indoors and outdoors.

One of the best features of this soil is that it comes with Myco-tone, which holds moisture for a long time. This prevents the roots from drying up, as well as strengthens them so they can grow rapidly.

The Espoma AP8 blend is designed for all indoor and outdoor containers and is all organic.

Buying Guide — How to Choose the Best Potting Soil for Herbs

Nutrients

Nutrients are the make or break point of potting soil. The three primary nutrients of the best potting soil for herbs are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 

Some companies like Miracle-Gro use potash instead of potassium. Potash is a mixture of potassium with other nutrients, and in terms of herb growth, potash is more helpful. 

Look for a list of included components on the label; potting soil that reads “fertilizer” on the package is unlikely to contain many essential nutrients.

Density

The most refined potting mix is light and airy, and when moist, it should never be too thick. Otherwise, it may suffocate the plant’s roots. They may also get rotted or moldy.

Special Plant Needs

Some plants require specific nutrients and soil mixes to grow and thrive; you should research your plant’s needs and then go for the potting soil that works best for that plant.

FAQs

1. What type of soil do herbs love?

The majority of herbs will thrive in a potting mix. A potting mix is a type of soil specifically for planting with somewhat different material properties. Typically, no mud is included in potting mixes; potting soils are the reverse.

2. Which herbs thrive in wet soil?

Although you should avoid excessively watering plants, slight moisturization is good for some herbs. Wet soil is excellent for mint, bee balm herb, marshmallow plant, and meadowsweet.

3. Which herbs grow well in dry soil?

Even though most herbs thrive in damp soil, certain types are drought-tolerant and prefer dry, nearly water-free soil around their roots. For example, echinacea, lavender, and sage all grow well in dryer soil.

4. Which herbs can you grow around each other?

Growing several herbs in one large pot can save room and make it much easier to manage and look after them.

Bringing plants that naturally grow in the same environments is ideal, such as combining herbs from the sea. They all have comparable development conditions, such as plenty of sunlight and slightly dry soils. As an idea, you can combine rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, and marjoram.

Many plants, including Mediterranean herbs, like a bit of extra moisture. You won’t have to worry about excess water if you combine basil, cilantro, tarragon, and parsley.

Conclusion

Every herb and plant is unique and can require different soil. There are a variety of things to take into consideration when choosing the right soil blend. However, you should now have a general idea of what features to look for when choosing a potting mix for your herb garden and select the mix that works best for your herbs.