The following 4 basic soil types are the most suitable for growing herbs: At a neutral pH of 7, most of the essential chemicals and plant foods become available to the plant so producing healthy plants. This is because the minerals, especially iron, have become locked up in the soil. For example, an alkaline soil can produce stunted plants with yellowing leaves. It is a vital factor in the plant’s ability to obtain, via its root system, all types of plant foods and essential chemicals. The pH of the soil refers to its acidity or alkalinity. There are always exceptions, for instance Rumex scutatus, Sorrel, will tolerate acid soils. Most herbs will tolerate a range of between 6.5 and 7.5 pH which is fairly neutral. Soil can vary from acidic (pH 3.5) Sphagnum moss peat to alkaline (pH 8.5) Fine loam. Good plant growth is not only dependent on how much you feed the soil but it is also dependent on the structure of the soil. The soil is the engine of your garden, so it is important to know its condition before you start planting. Tropical a plant that can only survive in a warm, damp climate that does not drop below 15☌ at night. Tree a woody plant that usually has a single stem. Sub-tropical a plant that can only survive in a warm, damp climate that does not drop below 10☌ at night. Sub-shrub a small, short, woody shrub, especially one that is woody only at the base. Shrub a woody stemmed plant that usually freely branches from the base. Partial Evergreen a plant that holds some leaves throughout the winter. Perennial a plant that lives for a number of seasons, most flower annually once established (See Jekka's Perennial Herbs). Monocarpic a plant that dies once it flowers it can live for a number of years before flowering. Herbaceous a plant that dies back into the ground in winter, becoming dormant, before reappearing in the spring. Evergreen a plant that has leaves all winter (See Jekka's Evergreen Herbs). Deciduous a plant that drops it leaves in winter. Climber/Vine a plant that cannot grow without the support of other plants or structures. Biennial a plant that produces leaves in the first season and flowers in the second, then dies (See Jekka's Biennal Herbs). Annual a plant that lives for just one season (see Jekka's Annual Herbs). Please note, the compost in Jekka's Kits will have enough natural food for approximately 6 weeks.įor more information on growing herbs plants please see Jekkapedia, Jekka's blog or our FAQs page.
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