14-07-2025
Herbs will grow and thrive in summer after two-minute task is done weekly
Herbs will grow and thrive in summer after two-minute task is done weekly
Popular culinary herbs such as oregano, mint, and thyme will need a little more care than usual in the summer
This simple task will keep your herbs healthy over summer
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Most potted herbs, including oregano, require minimal upkeep and can flourish on your windowsill for weeks with scant attention. Nevertheless, during summer months they demand slightly more care.
Warm weather prompts herbs to grow thick, woody stems which help them retain water more effectively. This process drains considerable energy, meaning herb plants cease producing leaves, whilst any existing foliage becomes intensely bitter.
Fortunately, there's a remedy: pruning. Nell Foster, a gardener and founder of Joyus Garden, suggests houseplant enthusiasts should set aside several minutes weekly for trimming their herbs.
"Oregano, like mint or sweet marjoram, has softer woody stems," she explained.
These old stems will eventually get woody over time, particularly in warmer climates. The plant becomes quite dense, making it difficult for new growth to appear in spring and summer.
Make your oregano thrive easily
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"This is why pruning is crucial. The fresh oregano leaves are much tastier than the tougher, older ones. I prune my mint, thyme, and marjoram in the same way - out with the old and in with the new."
Trimming stimulates herbs to keep generating fresher, more tender, and therefore more flavoursome leaves rather than focusing energy on stem development.
It also maintains herb health by stopping them from becoming overgrown, which not only looks messy but also raises the risk of fungal infections affecting the plants, reports the Express.
The secret lies in checking and trimming them consistently throughout summer. It's straightforward: all you need to do is give your herbs a light prune, removing any old or woody-looking stems.
Regular pruning keeps plants healthy
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This shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Using a pair of clean, sharp scissors, trim back approximately three inches.
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Ensure your herbs are positioned in a sunny spot such as a windowsill or balcony if possible. They also flourish well in your garden.
You can determine if the plants need watering by checking the soil - if it feels dry, then it's time to water. However, be cautious not to overwater them, as Mediterranean-originating woody herbs can't withstand waterlogged soil.
With weekly attention, your oregano, thyme, and mint plants should thrive wonderfully this summer, supplying you with a plentiful harvest of fresh, fragrant herbs.
