What to do with potted herbs outside when it rains

[aquietpath]

Originally Posted by EugeneOnegin

Don't put rocks/stones/pebbles in the bottom of the pot, that makes drainage worse.

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%20Cha...20drainage.pdf

If you have drainage holes and the potting mix stays excessively waterlogged you need to use a better potting mix. What kind did you use? Please don't say you used those cheap 40lb bags of "potting soil" that are denser than lead.

Also, don't pot plants into pots that are too big which results in lots of potting mix with no roots to draw up moisture. Potting mix stays more moist at the bottom already. Pot plants up incrementally instead.

Sorry, can't agree with that lone study. I use gravel in all my pots and water the plants until the water runs out the bottom. It certainly doesn't take long for this to happen, and plants don't stay waterlogged in the slightest. Most of my plants are container grown and it's the rare one that doesn't flourish.

Even cheap 40 lb bags of potting mix can be amended - by adding some perlite to lighten it up if it is "dense as lead". Personally, I add about 1/3 compost since I've never found them to be overly dense. For a beginning gardener like OP, there isn't any need to get ridiculously technical - it can discourage rather than encourage. We all learn from trials and errors of our own and others.

[Newdaawn]

For those pesky flys you might try insectasidal soap. It used to be highly recommended by Ralph Snodsmith on his syncicated gardening show. It comes in a white plastic spray bottle and is not expensive.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by aquietpath

I have mint, rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, and tarragon in containers on my patio. All the pots have about 1" of gravel on the bottom, are planted in potting soil and do just fine. Some are in clay pots; others in plastic. It doesn't seem to make much difference other than the clay ones need more frequent watering.

If your soil is waterlogged, make sure they are getting enough sun to help dry them out. Most herbs like a rather sunny location anyway. Not sure what the flies are, but a spritz of food-safe insecticide would probably be in order, or a complete re-potting with some soil that has better drainage qualities.

I don't even have the gravel but it is a good idea. of course my pots all have drainage holes. I usually have very good luck and last year, in spite of the heat the herbs did fine. I did keep some of them in shade or partial shade. They thanked me for that. I have parsley, rosemary, lemon balm, and basil this year. I will finally plant the garlic tomorrow or Monday. I do know they like water!!
Nita