In article uViCr8LlbtmJ-pn2-m9CFqGbzrXVF@poblano,
"Stan Goodman" wrote:

I grow a number of small edibles in large containers, in the interest
of water conservation because I am in an arid zone. My major
mysterious problem in recent years as been some mints -- which I would
have thought would be pretty trouble free. Oregano and sage are native
here, and I try to give them what they needs in nature, namely not too
much water in warm weather Spearmint is European and therefore wants
more water, and I try to oblige.

In both of the past few summers, both spearmint and oregano, though
not sage, began to turn black about half through the summer. I was
feeding them an organic fertilizer, and they were both surely moist
enough, so I tried reducing the water supply, which didn't seem to
help. What is it that they need that I am not giving them?

Stan,
Salaam-Shalom. This must be do-able, otherwise taboule, as we know it,
wouldn't exist. In repositioning your pots remember, morning sun is the
coolest. Afternoon sun is the hottest. A southern exposure will be
warmer than a northern exposure. I presume you don't have trouble with
too little heat, so maybe try an eastern exposure. A little shade may
help too. If you have a garden, put it in. This normally isn't a real
bright idea because, under normal conditions, mint is invasive and
starts popping up everywher, but drastic times call for drastic measures
(At least in gardening.). Mint is a real opportunist, so be prepared. If
worse comes to worse, start making taboule and mint tea.

- Bill
Cloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)