Choose Your Herb Garden and Get Started!

There’s no wonder as to why herb gardens are so popular: summer or winter, there they are, thriving either in your garden or on your windowsill. They are incredibly low maintenance, and you can easily pluck an herb leaf off at any time to add to a delicious meal or to create a world-class tea.

Getting Started

To those who are just beginning gardeners, starting with an herb garden is the way to go. First thing to consider is where you are going to grow your herbs: are you going to set aside a separate area for your herbs outside? Or will you grow them with your vegetables and flowers? Perhaps you are thinking of growing them in containers. Containers do make your herbs very accessible all year long, though herbs are also a great decorative addition to any garden.

NOTE: Many gardeners plant their herbs outside during the spring, and then at the end of supper re-pot them and bring them inside. You can keep this cycle going for years!

Pick Your Herbs

Next, what you need to decide are what herbs you would like to use. Looking for herbs to add to your yummy recipes? Check into rosemary, oregano, chives and basil. Wanting fragrant herbs that will help you unwind after a long day? Consider growing lavender, lemon balm, mint and geranium leaves. If medical herbs are what you’re looking for, try growing nettles, calendula, chamomile and burdock. If you’re not sure what you’re looking to grow, try some from each group!

Growing Indoors

Should you be planning on growing your herbs in containers on your windowsill, choosing their placement is rather simple. Be sure that they are watered regularly (which is less often than you may think) and receive adequate sunlight on which ever windowsill they are placed on. The sunnier the windowsill, the better.

Growing Outdoors

Should you choose to grow your herbs outside, you must keep their need for sunlight in mind. For instance, you should not plant an herb that grows low to the soil near taller growing herbs, as they would then block the essential sunlight.

Use the Right Soil

As for soil, the more organic it is the better. Fertile soils are not necessary, but adding some composted matter or peat moss will certainly go a long way in improving the quality – and taste! – of your herbs. Finally, when watering the key is to keep the soil moist rather than drenched. If the soil is too wet, this will hinder the growth of your herbs.

I hope that these tips help you successfully start off your herb garden!

photo by Marsy