# Phototropism in potted herbs. To turn or not to turn? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 21, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906 "2011-07-21T20:54:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Speak\_to\_me\_Maddie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/58956e/32.png) [@Speak\_to\_me\_Maddie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Speak_to_me_Maddie)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/1 "2011-07-21T20:54:18Z")
I have potted herbs on the porch. I have to turn my giant basil plant because it is about to tip its container. However all the herbs out on that porch turn toward the light, leaning heavily. I don’t care about the plants’ appearances as much as crop yield. So, should I be turning them around periodically or not. Would that likely increase, decrease, or not affect overall plant growth and size? ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/2 "2011-07-22T13:02:40Z")
I think it would simply make growth more even. If you never turned it, the side that got more sun will get bigger while the shady side will not grow as much. Pruning also encourages growth and can increase yield significantly. I’d turn 'em and cut 'em back. Make pesto, lather, rinse, repeat. Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/3 "2011-07-22T13:31:01Z")
To everything, there is a season. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/4 "2011-07-22T15:10:48Z")
Turn 'em. Lopsided plants are an offense to the Lord. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/5 "2011-07-22T16:42:10Z")
90 degree rotations weekly would be good. ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/6 "2011-07-22T23:08:19Z")
I like to rotate my herbs. I feel that the regular changes makes them more muscular and will help if they ever get into a fight. My rosemary can kick your basil’s ass! ---
**Author:** ![Marconi\_N.Cheese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Marconi\_N.Cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marconi_N.Cheese)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phototropism-in-potted-herbs-to-turn-or-not-to-turn/589906/7 "2011-07-23T00:29:08Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > I like to rotate my herbs. I feel that the regular changes makes them more muscular and will help if they ever get into a fight. My rosemary can kick your basil’s ass! No need for violence. I think we need a thyme out here. I’ll go stand in the corner now