Wet Weather Threatens Herbs

06/10/2009
The unusually wet weather we have been having for the past several weeks in northern Virginia poses a threat to a number of herbs which prefer dry conditions. These include rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, dill and cilantro. If kept for extended periods of time in wet soil or potting mix, all of these plants are susceptible to root rots, fungus and mildew infections. For the past two weeks, we have been getting increasing numbers of reports of long established favorites succumbing to these conditions. These problems are likely to increase, as long as the current wet conditions continue. Savvy gardeners will help their potted herbs avoid these conditions by moving to them to undercover locations with good air circulation to allow the pots to dry out.