Herbs for Cottage with Sandy Soil
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Cathy
Posted on: January 8, 2004

My husband and I have just purchased a cottage that is on very sandy soil, and has full sun most of the day. I love to cook, try new foods and enjoy gardening. What would be your suggestions for planting herbs in very sandy soil. I will be at the cottage most of July and August, therefore water and care will not be an issue.

You are in luck! Most culinary herbs love sandy soil, but if the soil is pure sand, I would still suggest that you add some water retentive material, such as compost, peat moss, or grass clippings. They come from Mediterranean areas where there is plenty of ground water that they can reach with their long roots. Therefore you will have to keep them moist, but you already have the perfect drainage and full sun most of them demand. So plant any of the common kitchen herbs without a worry.

The only problem you might have is winter hardiness. Cottage country tends to be further North and therefore with more severe winters. Mulch the perennials well for the winter, especially since frost goes much deeper in sandy soil.

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