Planting Mint, Parsley, Basil in Zone 7B: Root-Bound Nursery Pots Need Attention

Nursery herbs are often root-bound with fast fertilizer. Steps:

1. Remove from 4" pots; cut 1/2" off bottom if roots circling.
2. Repot slightly larger or plant in ground (after cold snaps).
3. Soil: anything but clay; add fertilizer to hole.
4. Liquid fish/seaweed every 3 weeks.
5. Water weekly; let nature handle rain.
6. Morning sun (east).
7. Prune 1/3 from top on each branch.
8. Mint: container only (invasive).
9. Basil: wait for 70°F nights; 12"+ deep pot (hates root binding).

Rosemary/lavender thrive with same pruning/feeding.