Herbs going brown...

[Bagnally]

Can any one tell me what is wrong with my herbs by looking at my pictures in my 'Herb' album. I'm trying to establish herb plants in order to use them medicinally and for 'green beauty' but I've lost three already that I have planted in pots, Parsley, Chervil and Watercress. My mint always seems to go brown after it has given me a good showing in the spring. If you can't view my album let me know. I'm not sure how to get a link on here for it.

Thanks

x

[rustylady]

What size pots are your herbs in? I keep my mint in flower buckets acquired from the supermarket. After the first flush of fresh green leaves I cut it right back and feed, then it re-grows. The "brown" you describe is just the old stems and leaves. Your horseradish looks as if it has had it. Horseradish has a long taproot, so I'm not sure it is suited to growing in pots. As for parsley, mine does well in large pots, but does need to be kept cool and semi-shaded.

[Lovage]

Bigger pots and soil based ( John Innes ) compost would help.
The mint could be cut right back and watered then it should sprout again quite quickly

[Two_Sheds]

Horseradish has a massive root ... I'm not surprised it has died in a pot, tbh.

[LostGoddess]

The mint I would definately cut back each stem (use or freeze the leaves) to a sprouting node, give it a feed and it should produce healthy new growth. I am guessing you could do the same with your feverfew, as it has already flowered by the looks of it.
I keep most of my herbs in pots and I harvest them often to stop them going 'leggy' like your mint has gone (or 'woody' for certain woody herbs) and to encourage nice new growth. If I don't need to use the herbs there and then, I usually freeze them for later use. If I want a herb to flower I will either allow one of several plants to produce flower spikes or allow 50% of a plant to produce flower spikes whilst keeping the rest of it cut back. But, I am still experimenting!

Bagnally, I am also interested in using herbs medicinally and would be interested to know what your plans are. Are you growing Feverfew as a headache remedy? I take a feverfew supplement every day to keep migraines at bay and it seems very effective.

[Bagnally]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful advice. I will make changes and see how things turn out. Lostgoddess, yes I am growing Feverfew as a migraine remedy. I've only started having it in my sandwiches and salads recently so don't expect my body to have absorbed it's goodness yet. I want to avoid supplements as I prefer to take natural remedy and try to cope with the migraines until the feverfew works. I've made a few concoctions of various 'drugs' but I've not quite got it right yet! I'll let you know when I am convinced they are just right. :-)

[LostGoddess]

Bagnally, I would be very interested to read your progress with your Feverfew. I am also growing a plant to hopefully use instead of the supplement, although I did once split a feverfew capsule open to add just the dried herb to a drink and OMG it was disgusting! Do you have the Grow Your Own Drugs book? an inspiring read.

[ohbeary]

feverfew

ah the great headache killer! it certainly works but it does taste revolting, I have offered it to a number of people to try and most said they would rather have the headache