What Could Be The Cause Of Oregano Leaves Having Yellow Spots And Thyme Leaves Turning Brown?

Question

Need help! A few weeks ago I bought and replanted oregano “hot and spicy” and lemon thyme into new pots. I started noticing that the ends of thyme leaves are turning brown and oregano has these yellowish spots on the leaves as well. I used Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost and perlite. I fertilized the soil once, about a week after transplanting (which might have been a mistake) and haven’t fertilized it since. I kept the soil of both of the plants slightly moist and watered from the top with tap water when it was dry on the top inches. They are getting full sun for about 7hrs a day and it has been quite hot and dry for the last few weeks in the UK. I haven’t pruned them since I only bought them recently and was afraid that it might cause shock. Could this be a problem with the size of the pot or watering issues? I am trying growing herbs for the first time so it is a bit confusing to diagnose what could be wrong. Any help appreciated

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Answer 1

I see spider mite damage, on top of overwatering! The feeding will not help, either.

Make sure that the soil dries out, very thoroughly, down to about 3 or 4 inches between watering, when sizing up that large that fast.

The first thing will be to get rid of the spider mites, as they will make anything else that you try useless. This article will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm

Once there is no new spider mite damage, you can care for the plants as intended, but that will require just a little more careful attention with the amount of rootless soil.

Also, since they are outside and will receive rainfall, those saucers under them will exacerbate water related issues. Those should be removed, unless the plants are inside where the watering can be carefully maintained.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/herb-plants-growing-in-one-pot.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/growing-herbs-in-containers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/general-care-for-your-herb-garden.htm