Caudate Herb Garden

[Rivethead]

I have a decent-sized environment with a 40 gallon aquatic side and a 40 gallon terrestrial (moist soil, sand, moss, mulch substrate).

I'm also an excellent cook who loves fresh herbs and spices. Specifically I use a lot of chives, garlic, dill, basil, and oregano.
I would like to create a small buried pot from which to grow some herbs in my habitat.
I'm passing on garlic; too high maintenance with digging it up.
I'm passing on Oregano, as it grows better in slightly dryer, blacker soil.

I know that chives, basil, and dill grow well in more moist environments, so that's what I'm shooting for.
Can anyone here think of a reason for me to not do this? Are there any detrimental effects that any of these plants would have on animals with semi-permeable membranes?

Your input and information is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[calpolybobby]

I'm very new to this but the biggest thing I have read so far as to newts etc is the toxicity of their skin. So my logic would turn to not eating anything that they have been around just because of that! I like the idea though!

 

[caudatadude28]

I don't think the toxins in the newt's skin would harm anything. They don't really excrete toxins unless frightened or stressed. Not to mention that most newts aren't capable of climbing tall flimsy plants even if they excreted toxins 24/7 which they dont. If the plants requirements match your animal's requirements I think this would work great.

 

[Rivethead]

I am forsaking the Oregano and Basil as they are too high maintenance, and Garlic because I don't want to upset the vivarium too much by digging up the bulbs.

I did a lot of asking around with herpetologists, botanists, and greenhouse keepers, and came to the conclusion that the enzymes in Onion Chives and Chinese Chives are not significant enough to cause any harm to an animal unless it began eating them - which is unlikely.

I also have every reason to believe that Dill will actually be a benefit to the micro-ecology, even if accidentally eaten by a newt on occasion.
Chives and Dill are expected to grow hearty in more wet conditions.
Both plants are also attractive, if you are not familiar with what they look like.