How to grow herbs in in windy areas? - Plant Care Guide

To grow herbs in windy areas, the most effective strategies involve selecting wind-tolerant herb varieties, providing physical windbreaks, anchoring plants securely, optimizing watering to prevent desiccation, and planting in well-draining soil. Wind can cause significant stress, but with the right approach, a thriving herb garden is achievable even in exposed locations.

How Does Wind Damage Herbs?

Wind can damage herbs in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly, leading to stress, reduced growth, and even plant death. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for protecting your herb garden in windy areas.

Here's how wind harms herbs:

1. Physical Damage:
   • Broken Stems and Branches: Strong gusts can snap or break tender stems, especially those of taller or more brittle herbs (e.g., basil, dill, rosemary).
   • Torn Leaves: Constant whipping by the wind can cause leaves to tear, fray, or abrade against each other or other garden structures.
   • Dislodged Plants: Newly planted herbs or those with shallow root systems can be completely uprooted or knocked over by strong winds.
   • Flower/Seed Damage: Developing flowers and seed heads can be stripped away, reducing future harvests or propagation opportunities.
2. Desiccation (Drying Out):
   • Increased Transpiration: Wind accelerates the process of transpiration, where plants lose water vapor from their leaves. Think of it like clothes drying faster on a windy day.
   • Root Inability to Keep Up: Even if soil moisture is adequate, the roots may not be able to absorb water fast enough to compensate for the rapid loss from the leaves, leading to dehydration.
   • Symptoms: Leaves may dry out, turn brown, crisp, or develop scorched edges. The plant will show signs of wilting even if the soil isn't bone dry.
3. Temperature Stress (Wind Chill):
   • Effect: Wind can create a "wind chill" effect, making the air feel colder to the plant (and you). This can lower leaf surface temperatures below their optimal range.
   • Impact: Can stress herbs, especially tender ones, or exacerbate cold damage in cool weather.
4. Soil Desiccation:
   • Effect: Wind dries out the soil surface much faster, leading to quicker evaporation of precious moisture from the root zone.
   • Impact: Increases the need for more frequent watering and can contribute to nutrient leaching if top watering is used excessively.
5. Stunted Growth and Root Rocking:
   • Effect: Plants constantly battling wind put energy into strengthening their stems and root systems for stability, rather than into lush leaf production or flowering.
   • Impact: Leads to stunted, stockier growth, but often with reduced yield. Constant rocking can also damage the fine feeder roots, further hindering water and nutrient uptake.
6. Salt Burn (Coastal/Roadside Areas):
   • Effect: In coastal areas, wind can carry salt spray onto leaves, causing browning and scorching. Near salted roads in winter, wind can blow de-icing salts onto dormant perennials.
   • Impact: Direct chemical damage to foliage.
7. Increased Pest Vulnerability (Indirect):
   • Stressed plants are generally more susceptible to pest infestations and diseases.

Understanding these impacts highlights the necessity of implementing protective strategies when growing herbs in windy areas.

What Are the Best Wind-Tolerant Herb Varieties?

When planning to grow herbs in windy areas, selecting wind-tolerant herb varieties is a crucial first step. These herbs are typically adapted to harsher conditions, often found in Mediterranean climates, and possess characteristics that help them withstand strong gusts and desiccation.

Here are some of the best wind-tolerant herb varieties:

1. Mediterranean Herbs (Excellent Choices):
   • These herbs are naturally adapted to sunny, often windy, and well-draining conditions. They tend to have tougher, often smaller or needle-like, aromatic leaves that reduce water loss.
   • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Woody, tough stems, evergreen needles. Can become a sturdy shrub.
   • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris and others): Low-growing, often creeping, with tiny, tough leaves. Hugs the ground, making it less susceptible to wind damage.
   • Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Similar to thyme, often low and sprawling, tough leaves.
   • Sage (Salvia officinalis): Shrubby, often woody stems, broad but somewhat leathery leaves. Can withstand a good amount of wind.
   • Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Woody stems, narrow, silvery-green leaves. Prefers excellent drainage and full sun.
   • Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Similar to oregano, but slightly more tender, still quite tolerant.
2. Other Resilient Herbs:
   • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Grass-like foliage, very flexible, will bend rather than break in the wind.
   • Mint (Mentha spp.): While often preferring more moisture, its vigorous, spreading nature can make it somewhat resilient in wind, though it might get battered.
   • Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Taller, but its feathery foliage is somewhat flexible and disperses wind well. Needs staking if grown for its bulb or very tall for seeds.
   • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Though often considered an ornamental, its leaves are sometimes used herbally. Extremely tough and wind-tolerant.
   • Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): Large, broad leaves but a deep taproot and sturdy stems can handle some wind, though may get tattered.
3. Herbs to Avoid (or Provide Significant Protection):
   • Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Very tender stems and broad leaves; easily torn, snapped, and desiccated by wind.
   • Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Delicate, feathery leaves; bolts quickly under stress (including wind).
   • Dill (Anethum graveolens): Tall, hollow stems are prone to snapping.
   • Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): While somewhat resilient, can get beaten up by strong, continuous wind.

By starting with these naturally resilient herb varieties, you lay a strong foundation for a successful herb garden in exposed locations.

How Can I Provide Physical Windbreaks for My Herbs?

Providing physical windbreaks for your herbs is one of the most effective strategies to protect them in windy areas. Windbreaks reduce wind speed, prevent desiccation, and minimize physical damage, creating a more sheltered microclimate for your plants.

Here are various ways to provide physical windbreaks:

1. Fences or Walls:
   • Method: Plant herbs on the leeward (sheltered) side of an existing sturdy fence, wall, or building.
   • Benefits: Permanent, robust protection. Can be particularly effective if the structure is solid or has only small gaps.
   • Considerations: Solid barriers can create turbulence (eddies) on the downwind side very close to the barrier, and too much shade. Aim to plant a few feet away from solid walls for best effect.
2. Hedges or Shrub Rows (Living Windbreaks):
   • Method: Plant a dense row of shrubs or evergreen hedges (e.g., Boxwood, Holly, Cedar, Privet) upwind of your herb garden.
   • Benefits: Provide a permeable windbreak that slows wind without creating harsh turbulence. Also adds aesthetic appeal and wildlife habitat.
   • Considerations: Takes time to grow. Needs proper spacing from herbs to avoid root competition and shading.
3. Trellises or Lattice with Climbing Vines:
   • Method: Install a sturdy garden trellis or lattice panel and grow a dense climbing vine (e.g., annuals like morning glory or scarlet runner beans, or perennial clematis) on it.
   • Benefits: Provides a vertical barrier, can be beautiful, and useful (e.g., edible beans).
   • Considerations: Needs strong support, and may require pruning to maintain density.
4. Temporary Structures (for shorter-term protection):
   • Burlap Screens: Erect stakes and attach burlap fabric.
   • Snow Fencing: Similar to burlap, but specifically designed for snow (can be effective against wind too).
   • Wooden Pallets: Stand pallets upright and secure them.
   • Benefits: Quick to install, movable, good for seasonal protection or for young, establishing plants.
   • Considerations: Less aesthetic, may need strong anchoring to prevent blowing over.
5. Raised Beds with High Sides:
   • Method: Build raised garden beds with sides that extend higher than typical (e.g., 18-24 inches high).
   • Benefits: The walls of the raised bed can provide a significant degree of shelter for herbs, especially low-growing ones.
   • Considerations: Still might need additional vertical protection for taller herbs.
6. Strategic Plant Placement (Grouping):
   • Method: Group taller, tougher plants (e.g., rosemary, lavender, fennel) on the windward side of your herb garden to provide shelter for shorter, more tender herbs (e.g., basil, cilantro) behind them.
   • Benefits: Natural, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective wind protection.
   • Considerations: Ensure taller plants don't completely shade out the smaller ones.

The key to effective windbreaks is to slow the wind down, not necessarily block it entirely, as some airflow is beneficial. Permeable barriers are often more effective than solid ones at reducing turbulence.

How Does Watering Differ for Herbs in Windy Areas?

Watering differs significantly for herbs in windy areas compared to sheltered locations because wind dramatically increases the rate of moisture loss from both plant leaves and the soil surface. This heightened desiccation means herbs in windy spots will require more frequent and sometimes deeper watering to prevent stress.

Here's how watering needs change and strategies to adapt:

1. Increased Frequency of Watering:
   • Reason: Wind accelerates transpiration (water loss from leaves) and evaporation from the soil. Plants simply dry out faster.
   • Action: You will likely need to water your herbs more frequently than if they were in a calm location. Check soil moisture daily, especially during dry, windy spells or when temperatures are high.
2. Deeper Watering:
   • Reason: While frequency increases, it's still crucial to water deeply. This encourages roots to grow downwards, making the plant more stable and better able to access deeper moisture reserves.
   • Action: When you water, ensure it penetrates the root zone. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which encourages shallow roots.
3. Best Time to Water:
   • Reason: Minimizes immediate evaporative loss.
   • Action: Water in the early morning. This allows the water to soak in before the sun and wind are at their strongest, reducing competition from evaporation. Watering in the evening is okay, but early morning is ideal.
4. Mulching is Crucial:
   • Reason: Wind rapidly dries out the soil surface. Mulch creates a protective barrier.
   • Action: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., shredded leaves, straw, wood chips) around your herbs. For Mediterranean herbs that prefer dry feet, a gravel or stone mulch can be beneficial as it heats up the soil and doesn't hold excessive moisture against the crown, while still reducing evaporation.
   • Benefits: Mulch significantly reduces surface evaporation, helping the soil retain moisture for longer periods, thus reducing watering frequency.
5. Consider Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses:
   • Reason: These systems deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water loss to wind and evaporation.
   • Action: Install a drip irrigation system or lay soaker hoses under your mulch.
   • Benefits: Highly water-efficient in windy conditions, ensures consistent moisture, and reduces foliar wetting which can be an issue for some herbs (e.g., powdery mildew).
6. Monitor Plant Stress:
   • Action: Keep a close eye on your herbs for signs of wilting, browning leaf tips, or dull foliage, which indicate water stress.
   • Tool: Use a soil moisture meter to accurately gauge when to water.

By understanding how wind exacerbates water loss and adapting your watering strategies accordingly, you can ensure your herbs remain hydrated and healthy, even in exposed conditions.

What Are the Best Planting Methods for Herbs in Windy Areas?

The best planting methods for herbs in windy areas focus on providing stability and minimizing exposure to constant wind, allowing plants to establish strong root systems and reduce desiccation. These methods help herbs anchor themselves and thrive despite challenging conditions.

1. Site Selection (Leverage Natural Shelter):
   • Method: Choose the most naturally sheltered spots in your garden. This could be:
     • On the leeward side of a building, fence, or dense hedge (plant a few feet away from solid barriers to avoid turbulence).
     • In a natural hollow or depression in the landscape.
     • Behind other, larger, wind-tolerant plants.
   • Benefit: Reduces the overall impact of wind before any artificial measures are needed.
2. Container Planting (with Strategic Placement):
   • Method: Grow herbs in sturdy, heavy containers.
   • Benefits:
     • Portability: Allows you to move the herbs to a more sheltered location during very windy days or seasons.
     • Weight: Heavy terracotta pots or those filled with dense potting mix are less likely to blow over.
     • Grouping: Group containers closely together for mutual protection; taller, tougher herbs can shelter shorter ones.
   • Consideration: Pots dry out faster in wind, requiring more vigilant watering.
3. Raised Beds with Protective Walls:
   • Method: Construct raised garden beds with sides that extend higher than typical (e.g., 18-24 inches high). The walls themselves act as a low windbreak for the herbs growing within.
   • Benefits: Provides inherent shelter and excellent drainage (crucial for many herbs). Can be integrated with taller vertical windbreaks.
4. Strategic Mounding or Berming:
   • Method: For in-ground planting, create shallow mounds or berms on the windward side of the planting area.
   • Benefits: Can subtly deflect wind currents and help improve drainage for Mediterranean herbs.
5. Stake or Support Taller Herbs:
   • Method: For taller, more fragile herbs (like dill or fennel) that are planted in windy areas, provide individual stakes or a support cage.
   • Benefits: Prevents snapping stems and rocking damage to roots.
   • Action: Use bamboo stakes or thin metal plant stakes. Tie stems loosely with soft ties to allow for some movement.
6. Good Soil Preparation:
   • Method: Regardless of how you plant, prepare the soil by ensuring it's well-draining and rich in organic matter.
   • Benefits: Healthy, robust root systems (promoted by good soil) make plants more stable and better able to resist wind forces.
7. Planting in Groups/Clumps:
   • Method: Instead of single scattered plants, plant herbs in denser groups or clumps.
   • Benefits: Individual plants offer mutual protection, creating a mini-sheltered zone within the cluster.

By combining these thoughtful planting methods with the right herb selections and watering practices, you can successfully cultivate a thriving and productive herb garden, even in the face of challenging winds.

What Other Care Considerations Are Important for Herbs in Windy Areas?

Beyond specific planting and watering strategies, several other care considerations are important for herbs in windy areas to ensure their long-term health and productivity. These often involve ongoing maintenance and vigilance.

1. Consistent Monitoring:
   • Why: Wind damage can occur rapidly, and desiccation can creep up.
   • Action: Regularly inspect your herbs, especially after windy days. Look for torn leaves, snapped stems, signs of wilting despite recent watering, or dislodged plants.
   • Early Detection: Catching problems early allows for quicker intervention.
2. Regular Pruning:
   • Why: Wind can physically damage and stress stems, and excessive top growth can act like a sail, increasing the risk of the plant being blown over or stems snapping.
   • Action:
     • Dead/Damaged Branches: Promptly remove any torn, broken, or desiccated leaves and stems with sharp pruning shears.
     • Shape and Density: For taller herbs, consider pruning them to a more compact, rounded shape rather than allowing them to become tall and leggy. This reduces their surface area exposed to wind.
     • Thinning: For very dense, bushy herbs (like sage or oregano), thin out the interior growth slightly to improve airflow, which ironically helps reduce desiccation caused by stagnant air pockets on leaves.
3. Fertilization (Careful Balance):
   • Why: Stressed plants need nutrients, but over-fertilization can promote lush, tender growth that is more susceptible to wind damage.
   • Action: Fertilize appropriately for the herb type and soil test results, ensuring balanced nutrients. Avoid excessive nitrogen, especially for Mediterranean herbs.
4. Mulching (Re-emphasis):
   • Why: While mentioned for watering, mulch also helps insulate the soil and prevents soil erosion from wind.
   • Action: Maintain a consistent 2-4 inch layer of mulch.
5. Pest and Disease Vigilance:
   • Why: Stressed plants are generally more vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases.
   • Action: Regularly check your herbs for signs of common pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites attracted to stressed plants) or fungal diseases. Promptly treat any issues with organic solutions.
6. Winter Protection (for Perennials):
   • Why: In colder zones, perennial herbs in windy areas are more susceptible to winter desiccation (winter burn) from cold winds and sun when the ground is frozen.
   • Action: Consider applying extra mulch around the base or providing a temporary burlap screen on the windward side in late fall for borderline hardy herbs.
7. Choose Durable Materials (for structures):
   • If using windbreaks, ensure they are constructed from sturdy materials that can withstand the wind themselves.

By combining these proactive measures with thoughtful planting and watering strategies, you can mitigate the challenges of windy conditions, allowing your herbs to thrive and provide abundant harvests.