Where do you live, that you have them outside now? Here in central FL we start planting usually by the end of the month. I still have parsley that was grown from seed last year, putting out leaves. My basil is about finished, It's getting woody, so I'll start again maybe in October. i have three bags of basil in freezer for pesto. My rosemary is growing very slowly. It was started from seeds back in Apri.

I am in southern illinois. My basil is on its way out as well but i have more seedlings in the works. The basil and rosemary actually traveled cross country from California about 2 months ago. Hearty little guys...

The plants all appear to be suffering from the soil mix. Thin, slightly pale growth.
The strawberries and the radish look good, though!

Josh

oh interesting...never heard that feedback before!

Everything is planted in the following: http://www.scotts.com/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp?proId=prod70262&itemId=cat50154

with this fertilized added as appropriate:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100026341/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

How should I remedy the problem? I can't really afford a major overhaul of all the potting (soil is expensive) but if there are cheap tricks to help I am open to it. Otherwise I'll take the suggestions into acocunt when I pot again :)

Yikes!

Not only Miracle Grow....but Moisture Control!
That stuff holds an excessive amount of moisture, which leads to poor root development
and overall plant stress.

The only trick I can think of right now is to use a wick from the bottom of the drainhole.
This will allow excess water to drain down the wick, lowering the perched water in the pot.

Next year, I'd recommend a mix of bark (or appropriate mulch), perlite, and a small portion
of peat (or potting mix). This will give you the drainage AND the water retention you want.

I haven't used that particular fertilizer, but I'd go with something that offers nutrients in
the ratio that plants most closely use those nutrients: a 3-1-2 ratio.

Josh

when you say wick...do you mean like a thin piece of rope hanging out of the bottom of the plant? I think I can manage that :)

I started with the MG MC soil (and have had the best success with that versus others) because I water them all on the same day and until water runs out the bottom...i know some need more or less than that but I cant tell who needs what! I figure the MC helps me with what I over or under water :)

you have been so helpful...any other advice?