Herbs often take a backseat when it comes to gardening, but they’re the game-changers that elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Not only do they add depth of flavor, but they also offer an array of medicinal benefits. If you’re considering planting an herb garden – and we highly recommend it – you may be intimidated by the thought of getting started. The leap from nurturing a single basil plant in a pot to cultivating a sprawling herb garden can be daunting.
What’s the best way to plan your layout? How do you prevent plants from growing leggy or competing for resources? It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when trying to cohabitate a dozen different varieties of herbs in the same soil. We’ll guide you through the process by identifying what to plant and how to sidestep common mistakes that can cost you time and money.
Why Grow Herbs?
Purchasing fresh herbs from the grocery store for a specific recipe may seem convenient, but it can also prove costly due to the limited quantity included in the bundle. Moreover, these fresh herbs tend to spoil quickly unless extra care is taken to prevent decay. However, the superior flavor and aroma of fresh herbs make them a worthwhile investment.
Having an herb garden, whether indoors or outdoors, offers the ultimate convenience.
You can harvest the herbs you need on a daily basis, elevating your homemade dishes with their vibrant flavors. Furthermore, an herb garden doubles as a constantly-growing medicine cabinet and tea supply. The added benefit is that pollinators like bees and butterflies are attracted to these herbs, which can boost the health of other plants in the area.
What You Need
Before embarking on your herb gardening journey, there are a few fundamental elements to have in place. A good starting point is to ensure you have the necessary tools and materials at your disposal.
Soil
When it comes to growing herbs, having the right soil is crucial. Whether you’re planting indoors or outdoors, you’ll need a good quality soil mix and a suitable spot to plant. The choice of location depends on your personal preference – a plot of land, raised bed, or containers are all viable options. However, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your plants when selecting a growing medium.
Most herbs thrive in traditional garden soil, but there are some Mediterranean varieties that require well-drained, sandy soil to flourish. Bay, rosemary, and lavender are examples of plants that benefit from this type of environment. To ensure optimal growth, it’s vital to group these plants together and tailor the soil accordingly.
For instance, you could create a sandy mix in one area for dry-loving plants, while another section might feature a loamier blend better suited for moisture-demanding varieties.
Location, Location, Location
When selecting a spot for your herbs, remember that most varieties thrive in sunny conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, not all herbs are sun-worshippers; some prefer partial shade or even cooler temperatures. Consult the seed packet, an online plant database, or the nursery tag (if you purchased from a local garden center) for specific growing requirements.
By considering the height and light preferences of each herb variety, you can create a harmonious coexistence between tall sun-lovers like giant parsley and low-growing shade-dwellers like sweet woodruff. Additionally, think about the proximity to your home: will you be willing to venture out in rain or darkness to harvest a few sprigs of chives for breakfast?
If not, consider placing your herb garden closer to the house, making it easily accessible and allowing for regular monitoring and harvesting of fresh herbs.
Best Herbs to Start With
When it comes to creating an herb garden, I’m a proponent of perennials due to their ability to return each year after planting. Not only do they offer a cost-effective and convenient option, but they also provide a sense of continuity as you tend to your garden. Of course, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences when selecting herbs to plant. Are you an oregano and basil aficionado? Do salads get you excited, making chives, parsley, and salad burnet must-haves in your garden?
Perhaps chamomile and peppermint are the keys to a happier stomach. Whatever your taste buds desire, it’s crucial to only plant what you love. In my own garden, I’ve made a conscious decision not to cultivate sage or rosemary, despite their ease of growth in my climate, simply because I’m not a fan of their flavor profiles. The key is to find a balance that works for you. I recommend combining both annuals and perennials to get started with your herb garden.
This approach ensures a delightful variety without the need to replant everything from scratch each year. Here are some common, easily sourced herbs at local nurseries that can get you started.
Perennial Herbs
While it’s true that not all herbs thrive in every climate, there are still many varieties that can tolerate different conditions. For instance, some strains of oregano are surprisingly resilient and can survive even the chilliest of winters. In fact, certain types of oregano are well-suited to my own zone 5b, where they’ll continue to grow strong and healthy right through the frosty season.
Other herbs, like chives, lovage, mint, marjoram, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, and sage, also come in a range of hardiness levels, making it possible to find the perfect variety for your specific climate.
Annual Herbs
Theme Herb Gardens
When faced with the overwhelming array of herb options, consider developing a theme for your garden. This focus can help you whittle down your choices and clarify your goals. To get started, think about what you want to achieve with your herbs. Do you envision a kitchen filled with fresh flavors, or perhaps a medicinal oasis? Alternatively, do you hope to create a haven that attracts bees and butterflies, or a cozy tea garden?
Some themes to consider include: creating a mix of perennials and annuals for a constant culinary supply; cultivating herbs known for their natural remedies; planting blooms that attract pollinators; or curating a selection of tea-making favorites. Herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are versatile options that can fit into multiple themes. Other popular choices include mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, lavender, chamomile, motherwort, holy basil, southern ginseng, St.
John’s Wort, wormwood, feverfew, lemon balm, peppermint, marshmallow, and echinacea.
Companion planting
In designing a harmonious garden ecosystem, it’s crucial to consider the compatibility of herbs with one another. Some herbs thrive when planted together, while others may not get along as well. By understanding these relationships through companion planting, you can reduce pest issues and even boost the nutritional value and flavor profiles of your plants. For instance, basil and oregano make a great pair, but be cautious of pairing it with sage or rue, which can hinder their growth.
Chives, on the other hand, complement dill nicely, while cilantro and anise are excellent companions that will benefit from each other’s presence. Always conduct thorough research before planting to guarantee you’re bringing together herbs that will have a positive impact on one another.
Starting Your Herb Garden
To cultivate a thriving herb garden, it’s essential to start with a solid plan. First, consider where your herbs will reside – in pots or directly in the earth? Will they thrive under the warmth of the sun or the gentle glow of indoor lighting? The choice is yours, and it’s crucial to decide early on so you can tailor your approach accordingly.
Additionally, think about how you’ll get your garden started: with tiny seeds that will need time to germinate and grow, or with mature plants already rooted in place. Whatever path you choose, having a clear vision for your herb garden from the outset will set you up for success.
Starting Herbs Indoors
When it comes to starting herb seeds, there are pros and cons to consider. While you could opt to start from scratch and sow the seeds directly into soil, I wouldn’t recommend this approach for beginners. The primary issue is that many herb seeds take an extended period to germinate, which can be frustrating. Additionally, annual herbs typically won’t survive the winter, making it a futile effort.
If you’re new to gardening or looking for a low-maintenance option, consider visiting your local nursery to explore their selection of established herbs instead. For those who still want to try their hand at starting herb seeds indoors, we offer a comprehensive guide on seed starting that’s packed with valuable tips and tricks.
Planting Herbs Outdoors
As you prepare to bring your herb garden to life, start by visualizing the layout of your space and planning the placement of each plant. Consider factors like mature height and width, as well as growth habits, to ensure a harmonious coexistence among your herbs. Once you have a clear plan in place, it’s time to amend the soil to suit your new additions. Combine existing earth with a mix of garden soil, sand, and/or moss to create an optimal growing environment.
Next, get ready to dig!
For each plant, excavate a hole twice as large as its root ball, carefully remove the plant from its pot, and loosen any tangled roots. Gently place the plant in the prepared hole, then backfill with earth. Make sure to water your new arrivals generously.
To keep track of your burgeoning herb collection, consider labeling each plant with a simple stake marker. As young plants can be difficult to distinguish from one another, this added detail will help you stay on top of their progress.
When it comes to planting dates, perennials typically thrive in the spring, while annuals can be planted throughout the growing season. If you’re cultivating annuals like cilantro, consider planting them in succession every few weeks to ensure a steady supply throughout the year.
Container Gardening
You can also grow herbs in containers, whether outdoors or indoors, which allows for flexibility in moving plants around as needed and controlling invasive species like mint. When choosing a container, select one that is spacious enough to accommodate the mature size of your herb and features ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. To ensure proper drainage, fill the bottom third with rocks, pottery shards, or broken terra cotta pots.
Next, fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, either on its own or blended with sand for herbs that thrive in dry conditions. Finally, plant your herb and provide it with a thorough soaking.
Caring for Your Herb Garden
Growing herbs is a straightforward process, requiring only sun, water, and nutrients for optimal growth. Unlike other plants, there’s no secret sauce when it comes to cultivating herbs – simply harvest as needed by picking or snipping off leaves. To ensure your herb garden remains healthy and weed-free, keep a watchful eye out for unwanted invaders and take swift action should they appear.
While herbs aren’t inherently more demanding than other plants in your garden, the key lies in understanding each variety’s unique needs before planting them together. This includes taking into account their individual sunlight, watering, and fertilizer requirements, rather than making assumptions about what works best for all herbs.
6 Big Mistakes to Avoid
When exploring the world of herb gardening, I decided to tap into the collective wisdom of my friends and social media connections. The response was overwhelming, with many enthusiasts sharing their frustrations and challenges in growing a thriving herb garden. It’s no surprise that common issues arise when cultivating these delicate plants. To address these concerns, I’ve compiled the most frequently cited problems and provided practical solutions to overcome them.
Overcrowding
The allure of a lush herb basket at the farmer’s market is undeniable. A vibrant display of fragrant herbs and rich soil can be hard to resist. However, don’t get caught up in the charm without considering the potential drawbacks. Often, the herbs in these displays are planted far too close together, which can hinder their growth. When creating your own herb garden, it’s essential to provide each plant with sufficient space to thrive.
This is particularly crucial when planting perennial varieties, as overcrowding can lead to stunted growth and poor root development. By giving your plants the room they need, you’ll be rewarded with healthy, robust specimens. While experimenting with spacing in your garden can be a great way to learn and adapt, it’s also important to follow recommended guidelines for specific plant varieties. The information provided on seed packets or pot labels serves as a valuable reference point.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the impact of weeds on your herb garden’s overall health. Allowing weeds to take hold can stunt the growth of your plants and reduce their yield, so it’s essential to remain vigilant and take action to prevent weed encroachment.
Not enough sun
If your herbs are struggling to thrive in a partially shaded spot or you’re cultivating indoors without direct sunlight, there are ways to adjust. LED lighting can be a game-changer for indoor gardening, providing the necessary light spectrum for optimal herb growth. On the other hand, if your outdoor space is predominantly shaded, selecting shade-tolerant herbs like parsley, sweet woodruff, and mint may be your best bet.
While these options will still require some light to flourish, they’re more forgiving than others. However, keep in mind that low-light conditions often result in slower growth rates and less impressive yields.
Too-Small Containers
While browsing through Pinterest, I often come across adorable herb gardens showcased in petite containers. However, most herbs have a tendency to outgrow these compact spaces as they mature. This is particularly problematic when overcrowding occurs, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced longevity. It’s essential to provide herbs with sufficient room to thrive, rather than relegating them to tiny pots that can only sustain them for a short period.
A more spacious container is necessary for optimal growth, and a minimum diameter of 6 inches is generally recommended. This consideration is particularly important when selecting a herb variety that has a deep rooting system, such as parsley, which may require a deeper rather than wider pot.
Poor Drainage
When it comes to potted herbs, proper drainage is crucial. Avoid using containers without holes or gaps in the bottom, as this can lead to root rot from excess water. Instead, opt for pots with built-in drainage systems or add a layer of rocks or pottery shards at the bottom to facilitate water flow. This simple hack allows excess moisture to escape, preventing your herbs from becoming waterlogged and promoting healthy growth.
The same principle applies when planting outdoors – by incorporating materials like sand or gravel into your garden bed, you can ensure that roots have room to breathe and your plants thrive in well-draining conditions.
Not Pruning Enough
To avoid your herb garden turning into a sea of seed pods and towering stalks, it’s essential to prune regularly. By removing stems and leaves, you’re essentially controlling the growth cycle of your plant. This process not only encourages a bushy habit but also prolongs the production period. When flower heads begin to emerge, it’s crucial to snip them off promptly to prevent the plant from going to seed.
If left unchecked, this can trigger a natural lifecycle completion, often resulting in the plant dying back. Instead, continue to cut and pinch away flowers to maintain a healthy, productive growth cycle.
Watering Too Much (Or Not Enough)
When it comes to nurturing a thriving herb plant, one common pitfall is over- or underwatering. It’s easy to err on the side of caution when caring for a plant indoors, and a quick glance can lead to panic if the leaves aren’t looking their best. However, overwatering can be particularly detrimental, as it can cause root rot – a condition that’s often difficult to detect until it’s too late. To avoid this, take a moment to feel the soil with your finger before watering.
Stick your thumb into the earth; if it comes out mostly clean, the dirt is too dry and your plant is likely parched. It’s also important to consider that not all herbs have the same care requirements. Some prefer drier soil and can struggle in humid environments. When planting an herb garden in a raised bed or plot, these varying needs can be a challenge – especially if you’re dealing with multiple herb varieties. That’s why container-grown herbs are so popular.
By growing each variety in its own pot, you can tailor the care to meet their unique needs and move them indoors when cold weather strikes. This not only saves annual herbs from frost damage but also makes it easier to separate watering, fertilizing, and other care tasks. Getting started with an herb garden isn’t as daunting once you have a solid understanding of what’s involved. With some preparation and know-how, you’ll be well on your way to growing a bounty of fresh herbs with minimal fuss.
