Why I gave up on the 'no fertilizer' rule for my patio herbs

Lee Hunt · 2026-03-06T12:41:11.673737+00:00

I used to believe that herbs grew best with just water and sun, no added plant food. After my basil kept turning yellow and weak, I tried a mild liquid fertilizer every two weeks. The plants perked up fast and gave me leaves all season long. I get why purists avoid chemicals, but a little help can make a big difference for container plants.

blakeharris6mo ago

My grandma's basil thrived for years in a plain clay pot with just rainwater.

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sullivan.caleb7mo ago

Took me three dead basil plants to figure that out.

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hannah_knight97mo ago

Yeah, I learned the hard way that potted herbs need a bit of food too.

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