Diseases And Pests In Herbs

Herb Pests 

Herbs have their own protection against pests. Etheric soils in the flowers of the herbs have a deterrent effect on insects that cause harm to the herbs. Most insects will avoid leaves of herbs that are thickly covered with hairs, like the herb Borage. Therefore herbs are not really bothered by pests.

Herb Diseases

  • Rust ... May appear on Mint if the herbs are planted too close together. The best solution too solve this is cut the plant down to the ground. The herb will shoot up again during Spring.

  • Mildew ... Also appears when herbs are planted too close together. Thinning out and cutting back the herbs is your best solution.

  • Slugs & Snails ... In a wet Summer, snails will attack your herb garden especially if you have Basil and Oyster plants. Watch out for this!

How Can I Stop Slugs And Snails From Attacking My Herb Garden?

There are a few ways you can stop snails and slugs from harming your herb garden, however I advise you not to use slug pellets, as this kills off very useful insects as well as the harmful ones.

  • Surround your herbs with protective plants.

  • Dust your herbs with biological preparation, repeat this procedure after rainy times.

  • Put Borage around or on top of your herb garden to protect vulnerable herbs as both slugs and snails do not like Borage as they have very hairy leaves.

  • Collection. You can go out to your herb garden at night and during the late afternoon and pick up slugs and snails off your herb garden. This might take a while but it is very effective.

  • Other pesticides can be viewed here. Animal and pest deterrents.