Grow your own herbs and experience the taste and fragrance of homegrown bounty! With just a little patience and care, you’ll be enjoying the health and aesthetic benefits of your own herb garden in no time.
Starting an herb garden is so simple, yet so rewarding. Even with limited outdoor space, aspiring gardeners can still cultivate their own homegrown bounty of herbs that are incredibly versatile and add therapeutic, culinary, and aesthetic benefits. There’s nothing as satisfying as being able to pick your own fresh herbs and put them straight into your recipes or décor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for those who are just getting started.
1. Make a plan. Before you start purchasing materials, familiarize yourself with the herbs you want to grow and their growing requirements. Depending on your climate, some herbs will do better indoors and some will do better outdoors. In general, chives, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and mint do well with full sun and regular watering. Consider sun exposure, soil quality, drainage, and wind conditions.
2. Get the right soil. Herbs thrive best when planted in a light, well-drained soil. If needed, amend the soil in the bed you’ve chosen with sand or other nutrient-rich materials.
3. Prep the area. To keep weeds down, clear and prepare the site. Remove any weeds and debris. If you’re planting in containers, make sure each pot has a drainage hole at the bottom.
4. Plant your herbs. Select the right sized varieties, keeping in mind that each herb will need at least an 8-inch (20 cm) space to spread out properly. If planting in containers, line the sides of the pot with stones or pebbles. This will not only prevent water from draining too quickly, but it will also add decorative touches.
5. Water and fertilize. Depending on your climate, most herbs need 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of water per week. Choose a water-soluble fertilizer designed for herbs.
