Wicked Organics · Fertilizer Guide
Herb Fertilizer
NPK 4-3-4OrganicOMRI Listed
Growing herbs requires a different nutritional approach than most garden vegetables. Too much nitrogen produces lush but bland foliage — the essential oils and flavors that make herbs worth growing become diluted. Too little nutrition, and plants are weak, small, and unproductive. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Herb Fertilizer stri...
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Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen
4%
Provides 4% gentle, slow-release nitrogen for steady foliage production without overstimulating growth that dilutes essential oil concentration.
P · Phosphorus
3%
Delivers 3% phosphorus for healthy root systems and flowering — important for herbs grown for seed or blooms.
K · Potassium
4%
Supplies 4% potassium to enhance essential oil production, flavor intensity, drought tolerance, and overall plant vigor.
Derived from: Blend of organic plant and mineral-based ingredients (specific formulation proprietary)
Overview
What It Is
This specially formulated organic herb fertilizer uses a balanced blend of plant and mineral-based ingredients to provide gentle, sustained nutrition tailored specifically for herb cultivation. The 4-3-4 NPK ratio was chosen because herbs respond best to moderate, balanced feeding rather than the high-nitrogen programs used for vegetables.
Herbs grown with excessive nitrogen produce larger leaves but with less concentrated essential oils, resulting in weaker flavor and fragrance. The moderate nitrogen in this formula supports healthy growth without the flavor-diluting effects of over-fertilization. The balanced potassium content actually enhances essential oil production, improving both the culinary and aromatic qualities of your herbs.
This fertilizer is ideal for both annual culinary herbs (basil, cilantro, dill) and perennial herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage), as well as medicinal herbs and fragrant ornamental herbs like lavender.
Herbs grown with excessive nitrogen produce larger leaves but with less concentrated essential oils, resulting in weaker flavor and fragrance. The moderate nitrogen in this formula supports healthy growth without the flavor-diluting effects of over-fertilization. The balanced potassium content actually enhances essential oil production, improving both the culinary and aromatic qualities of your herbs.
This fertilizer is ideal for both annual culinary herbs (basil, cilantro, dill) and perennial herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage), as well as medicinal herbs and fragrant ornamental herbs like lavender.
Crop Fit
Best For
This fertilizer is designed for all herb types. Annual culinary herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill benefit from the steady nitrogen for leaf production. Perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage appreciate the balanced feeding that supports both foliage and essential oil concentration. Lavender and other fragrant herbs respond to the potassium with more intense aromatic compounds. Mint and other vigorous spreaders get balanced nutrition without being overstimulated.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Lawn | 6.25-12.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
| Trees & shrubs | Apply around drip line — rate varies by tree size |
| Containers | 1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil |
| Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season |
Step by Step
How to Apply
1
Application Rate
Calculate rate — 1–2 lbs per 100 sq ft for garden beds. Herbs generally prefer lighter feeding.
2
Container Rate
For containers, mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of soil at planting or top-dress during the season.
3
Broadcast / Incorporate
Broadcast evenly and work into the top 2–3 inches of soil around herb plants.
4
Water In
Water thoroughly after application to activate slow-release organic nutrients.
5
Reapply
Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season for sustained nutrition.
6
Perennial vs Annual
Reduce rates for perennial herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) compared to annuals (basil, cilantro, dill) which feed heavier.
For garden herb beds, broadcast 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft and mix into the top 2-3 inches of soil. For containers and pots, mix 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil at planting. For established container herbs, top-dress with 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot monthly. For perennial herb gardens, apply at the lower end of the rate range — perennial herbs generally need less feeding than annuals. Water in after application.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
This fertilizer is non-toxic and safe for use with all edible herbs. No special protective equipment needed. Store in a cool, dry location in a sealed container.
Seasonal Notes
Apply at planting time in spring for annual herbs. For perennial herbs, apply in early spring as new growth emerges and optionally again in early summer. Reduce or stop feeding perennial herbs in late summer to allow them to harden off before winter. Container herbs may need monthly feeding throughout the growing season.
In Context
How It Compares
Herb Fertilizer vs. General Purpose (10-10-10): General purpose fertilizers deliver too much nitrogen for herbs, producing bland, oversized foliage. The 4-3-4 formula keeps herbs flavorful and concentrated. Herb Fertilizer vs. Kelp Meal: Kelp meal (1-0-2) is an excellent complement to this fertilizer, adding trace minerals and growth hormones. Use herb fertilizer for primary nutrition and kelp meal as a supplement.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best organic fertilizer for herbs?
The best organic herb fertilizer provides gentle, balanced nutrition that supports healthy growth without overstimulating herbs into producing bland, watered-down flavor. Herbs grown with excessive nitrogen lose their concentrated essential oils and aromatic compounds. A moderate organic formula delivers steady nutrition that keeps herbs productive while preserving the intense flavors and fragrances they are grown for. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer is specifically formulated to grow flavorful, aromatic herbs using OMRI-Listed natural ingredients.
How often should I fertilize herbs?
Fertilize herbs every 4–8 weeks during the active growing season, using a light hand. Most culinary herbs are naturally adapted to lean, well-drained soils and can actually decline in flavor quality when over-fertilized. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender need the least feeding — once or twice per season is sufficient. Heavier feeders like basil, cilantro, parsley, and dill benefit from feeding every 4–6 weeks. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer provides the gentle, measured nutrition herbs prefer.
Does fertilizer affect herb flavor?
Yes, fertilization directly impacts herb flavor and aroma. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen causes herbs to produce rapid, lush growth with diluted essential oil concentrations — resulting in bland, flavorless leaves. Under-fertilizing stunts growth and reduces leaf production. The ideal approach is moderate, balanced organic feeding that supports healthy growth while allowing the plant to concentrate its aromatic compounds. Organic fertilizers tend to produce better-flavored herbs than synthetics. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer is specifically designed to maximize flavor and aroma in culinary and medicinal herbs.
What herbs can I fertilize with organic herb fertilizer?
Organic herb fertilizer works on all common culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herbs, including basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, chives, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, mint, tarragon, marjoram, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, and echinacea. Both annual and perennial herbs benefit from gentle organic feeding. Adjust frequency based on the herb's natural feeding habits — Mediterranean species need less, while annual leafy herbs like basil respond to more frequent applications. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer is versatile enough for dedicated herb gardens and mixed kitchen garden plantings.
Can I use herb fertilizer on container herbs?
Yes, container herbs especially benefit from organic fertilizer because the limited soil volume depletes nutrients quickly. Apply 1 teaspoon per small pot or 1 tablespoon per large container every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. The slow-release organic ingredients provide sustained feeding between applications without the salt buildup that synthetic fertilizers can cause in containers. Ensure containers have good drainage and flush with plain water monthly to prevent any mineral accumulation. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer is gentle and safe for windowsill, patio, and balcony herb containers.
How much organic fertilizer for an herb garden?
For in-ground herb gardens, apply 2–3 pounds of organic herb fertilizer per 100 square feet, mixing into the top few inches of soil. For individual herb plants, use 1–2 teaspoons per plant depending on size. For raised bed herb gardens, use 1–2 pounds per 50 square feet. Remember that most herbs prefer lean conditions — less is more when fertilizing herbs. The gentle, slow-release nature of organic fertilizer makes it nearly impossible to over-apply at these rates. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer delivers the right amount of nutrition for flavorful, productive herbs.
Is organic herb fertilizer OMRI-Listed?
Yes, Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Herb Fertilizer is OMRI-Listed for certified organic production. This is especially important for culinary herbs, which are consumed directly and benefit from being grown without synthetic chemicals. OMRI certification guarantees that all ingredients meet strict organic standards, giving herb growers confidence that their basil, cilantro, parsley, and other edible herbs are produced with only approved natural inputs. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics carries the OMRI seal across all its organic fertilizer products.
