---
title: "How to water herbs"
description: "Learn the best ways to water your herbs, from top watering to bottom soaking. Ensure your soil stays damp but not wet, and avoid overwatering for happy, healthy plants."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/herb"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:36.598Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:22:57.752Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8vPCIW83RxKBxHdEZYic8Q.webp?size=large"
---

# How to water herbs

## How to water

Most herbs really love water and do not like to dry up! It might even be hard to overwater them, but still, even a water-loving plant can get overwatered. Always feel the soil before watering - it should feel damp but not wet. There are several ways to water your plant. Choose a way that suits you the best.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8vPCIW83RxKBxHdEZYic8Q.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Plants that need a lot of water, like herbs, also need excess water to run out somewhere. Always make sure that your plant is planted in a pot with holes.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/EcHHKBLBQDGqPwmY1Wfotg.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> Most herbs love water and don’t like to dry out at all. This doesn’t mean they like their soil to be soaking wet, they want the perfect balance.  
> — Planta tip

## Ofte stilte spørsmål

### How do I know when to water my herbs?

Always feel the soil before watering your herbs; it should feel damp but not wet to the touch.

### Do herbs need a lot of water?

Most herbs really love water and do not like to dry up, but even water-loving plants can be overwatered, so finding a perfect balance is key.

### Why is proper drainage important for herbs?

Plants that need a lot of water, like herbs, also need excess water to run out somewhere. Always make sure your plant is in a pot with drainage holes.

### Is bottom watering sufficient for herbs?

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## How to water herbs

1. Feel the soil to ensure it is damp but not wet before you begin watering.
2. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or placing the plant under a tap, until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.
3. If you have a tray under the pot, remove all collected water afterward to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
4. If watering under a tap, make sure water has stopped running out from the bottom before returning the plant to its spot.
5. Always ensure your pot has drainage holes so that excess water can escape.

---

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