Question by KDC: Herb garden in Michigan?
Recently moved into a home with an herb garden (many different ones – rosemary, dill, chives, basil, cilantro, and quite a few more that I am not sure what they are). Not sure how to properly care for it – any suggestions? I cut them all back and put some leaves over the top of it for winter as it was suggested. Do I fertilize in spring? If so- what to use that is safe and nontoxic? Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by saaanen
Basil and cilantro are annuals, so they’ll be dead soon. Replant in the spring. I have dill, oregano and chives. I don’t mulch, and I fertilize with Miracle Grow in the spring. Zone 5, like you.
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You’re doing the right thing, by assessing the garden, before jumping in (without looking). Once everything has dried up dead later this fall, rake it out. Some plants will remain green, try not to damage them in the clean up. Put a stake in the ground, labeled with the name (or what you think it is), where about the plant was. In the spring, you can see what came back and what didn’t.
As for a safer fertilizer, look at the ESPOMA brand. It’s a highly organic group of products, for a variety of garden needs. I’d start with ‘gardentone’, but you might find another product from their line more to your liking. Follow the directions on the label. I believe ‘gardentone’ is used monthly.
I too am in Michigan.
Good luck-
I hope that this helps