Creative Gardening

A Child's Garden Creating a Cook's Garden Herb Teas Herbs in the Garden Series - Herbs as Groundcovers Herbs in the Garden Series - Herbs for Moist but not Soggy Soil Herbs in the Garden Series - Herbs for Poor Soil

Herbs in the Garden Series - Herbs for Shady Areas Herbs in the Garden Series - Herbs that Attract Butterflies Living Wreaths Making Herbal Vinegars and Oils Planting Herbs in Combinations Preserving Herbs

When planning an herb garden, there are those who insist that a rich, loamy, nutrient dense soil is the only way to go. That might be true for some herbs, but did you know that there are herbs that actually prefer poor soil? In fact, a number of herbs will thrive in the poorest of conditions. If your soil is rocky, has poor drainage, is mostly clay or even too acidic, you may want to consider planting some of the following herbs that thrive in poor soil.

Chamomile, Roman – a perennial that likes slightly acidic soil with good drainage. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Dill, Common and Fernleaf – likes rich, light soil in full sun, but will thrive in just about any conditions. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Oregano – prefers rocky, nutrient poor soil. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Parsley – prefers rocky, nutrient poor soil. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Rosemary – endures hot sun and poor soil, but needs good drainage. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Rue – prefers poor, dry soil. It is often found in old fields, roadsides and waste areas. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here. 

Sage – prefers rocky, nutrient poor soil. Is drought tolerant and will flourish even in mostly shade areas. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here. 

Salad Burnet - grows in full sun and poor soils with adequate moisture. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Sweet Woodruff – prefers an acidic soil, rich in nutrients and high in humus. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.

Thyme – likes poor, light soils. Consider replanting every few years as thymes may loose some of their aroma as they mature. To see other helpful hints, tips and sowing information about this variety click here.