Silly question

[Alison C]

This is probably going to sound like the most stupid thing to ask but here I go.
Do you need to feed herbs? I've grown Basil, Parsley, Sage and chive from seed and they are doing well a month or so on and have second leaves.
What sort of feed do they need and how often?
Sorry for the rediculous question but Im a noob to all this growing! Enjoying it tho!

[vicky]

Things like sage, thyme and other Mediterranean herbs do best in poor soils. Basil, parsley and other more 'succulent' herbs need more care, certainly more water and it probably would not hurt to feed them. However, I've never bothered and they seem to grow fine without. You could try feeding and see if there's a benefit?

[Flummery]

I've never fed herbs either. They feed me! They cope well with being grown hard. If you feed they will probably get leafier but you want the flavour too.

[Two_Sheds]

It never occurred to me to feed herbs. I never have - they grow anyway.

[silver birch]

I've never fed herbs either - but as far as helping them along, the companion planting gurus recommend planting yarrow next to the herbs. It's meant to bring out the essential oils in the herbs, boosting their potency. I've got several yarrow plants on the go - waiting to go in the ground.

[Alison C]

Thankyou. I just hadnt thought of feeding herbs until I was deciding what sort of all round feed to use use on my veg. Will leave them to do their thing then.

[mrs dog]

Treat 'em mean and keep 'em keen!! They grow in the wild in very rocky or unfertilised places so if you feed you could kill with kindness. Jan