herbs and sun

Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:47 pm

Where i live I do not get direct sunlight will my herbs still grow in a shaded porch the herbs i am growing are catnip, peppermint and basil

Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:56 pm

Mint will grow anywhere, it doesn't care, so will do fine. The catnip is in the mint family and probably will be ok. Basil likes sun. I grow some on my deck where it gets only a bit more than half day sun and it does ok, the purple basil better than the green, which really wants more sun. But basil won't make it in all day shade. Find a sunny spot, even if it is just for a container. A basil plant will grow fine in a 10 -12" container.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:15 pm

well where i live there are a lot of trees so the only sunny spots we have are in the parking lot which kinda sucks when living on the first floor of a condo and it isnt sunny in one spot all day. so i guess my basil is going to die then because i don't get enough sunlight here

Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:52 pm

Well, if all you have is shade then focus on growing things that like (or at least tolerate) shade. You will just frustrate yourself trying to grow sun lovers in shady spots.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:38 pm

The direction that my building is facing is South and I live on the first floor so is there any possiblity to keep them alive?

Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:46 am

well, south facing sounds good, but you said "shaded porch" and "no direct sunlight." If those things are true, you basil is not likely to do much. Maybe it will limp along, leggy and with few leaves or maybe it will just die.

Still seems like better to grow something that likes those conditions, rather than torturing your basil.

You could always put a grow light on it...

Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:28 am

actually i saw the sun hit it this afternoon so i have no idea what its going to do

Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:48 am

Basil will stall out as stated with shade, filtered light.

Put it in your car. :lol:

Don't laugh I have actually done this during cold snaps but only for a day or two.

You could also be the anarchist gardener and find a spot somewhere on the property where most people won't mess with it but gets sun and plant there. I myself would do something like this.

Good luck, fresh basil is the bomb.

Sat Jul 02, 2011 3:10 am

its mostly the chipmunks and small animals im worried about

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:02 am

Put some white or reflective material near the plant area and you will be surprised at the results!

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:33 am

How will that help

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:42 am

When planting in shady areas a little extra reflective light makes a big difference, even some white perlite on the surface will reflect light to the plant!

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:47 am

So what do I need

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:50 am

If I put them in the lawn how to keep chipmunks and squirrels out of them

Sat Jul 02, 2011 4:54 am

You can paint the sides of the raised bed or box white or with white lime. Shredded white paper on the ground below the plants. a silver surface facing south aimed at the plant area! This is for shaded areas but will also work great in the garden for peppers and other light loving plants!