[Scribbler]

I grow mint, thyme, parsley and sage in pots using ordinary multipurpose compost. Trouble is that some of them, typically mint and sage, don't seem to like this too much. I'm guessing they need more drainage.

Any thoughts on a good compost mix for herbs that they are likely to be happy in?

[mumofstig]

I like to use a soil based compost with extra grit, or sand, mixed into it 

[goodtogrow]

Agree with mum about adding for drainage/aeration.

Never found that Multi-purpose meets all the needs, all the time.

My pot mix is pea shingle/gardencompost/lime/loam, which is chunky, but seems to do the job.

[JayG]

Don't take the fact their needs don't go much beyond requiring good drainage too far - the leafier ones in particular will appreciate an occasional liquid feed after the initial nutrients run out.

Parsley will probably be OK as it is - it seems to do better in moister soils and not in all-day sunshine for me.

[goodtogrow]

Ah, JayG, you raise a good point.

The herbs listed are not all the same, in terms of their requirements.  Thyme, for example, likes it as lean as you like, as free-draining as you like, 'cos home, to it, is a Siciian mountainside.

Leafy stuff, agree, prefers a bit more wet, and shade works for me too, in fact the calmer conditions of partial shade works for me for everything, in pots, even for the sun-loving stuff.  So like Life itself, everything's a compromise...

Tom