Herb Gardening in Tanzania (Tropics): Shelter, Soil, Species Selection

Tropical herb gardening (Selous, Tanzania) requires rain shelter, soil amendment, and heat-tolerant species.

Site & Soil

• Black cotton clay → amend with greensand, rock phosphate, bone meal, lime.
• 18"+ deep pots.
• White mesh rain shelter (filters heavy rain, allows light).
• East location: full morning sun.

Species by Light Zone

Key Species Notes

• Rosemary: Separate pot, bone meal, drainage, no constant rain.
• Oregano: Space to spread.
• Lemon balm/mint: Isolate 6+ ft. Cross-pollinate.
• Cilantro: Sow every 3 weeks. Bolt-resistant 'Santo'.
• Basil: Press seeds in (don't cover). Morning sun essential.
• Parsley: Never harvest center crown.
• Chives: Cut to 2" to maintain.
• Dill/Fennel: 'Slo-bolt'/'Santo' varieties. Self-sow.

Universal

Prune 1/3 every 3 weeks. Feed fish/seaweed same time.

Seed Sources

Johnny's, Richter's, Seed Savers Exchange.