Grow Your Own Herbs

The flavor and smell of fresh herbs blows away any bottled spice or herb we have sitting in our cupboards. It also guarantees that they are NOT expired. There is also nothing more frustrating than spending money on fresh herbs (especially organic), using two sprigs and then watching the rest slowly die and mold because you didn’t use the rest in time.  It’s time to stop wasting your money but also allow yourself to use fresh herbs in your cooking. What if you had unlimited access to a variety of herbs in the comfort of you own backyard, deck or porch?  All it takes is a little time, space and energy to create your own herb garden.

Step One: Pick Your Favorite Herbs

Here are some tips:

Rosemary: Prefers a drier soil.  Full Sun.  Plants grow quite large, cut branches back by few inches to keep shape and size you prefer.

Thyme: Prefers a drier soil.  Full Sun.  Can be used as a ground cover. 

Basil: Annual Plant.  Full Sun.  Well drained soil.  Water often in hot weather.

Oregano: Well drained soil. Full Sun.

Cilantro: Well drained soil.  Full Sun.  Cut before flowering occurs.  If you let flower, it will turn into coriander seeds (must leave flower to dry).

Chives: Well drained moist soil.  Full Sun.  When flowers bloom, remove or seeds will spread.

Parsley: Full to partial sun. Prefers moist soil

More tips:

*Keep herbs weeded.  As is true with most plants, they do not like to compete for nutrients and water.

*Many herbs do not take well to cold harsh winters.  Many can be transferred inside and last all winter long as long as they have enough sunlight.  

Step Two: Choose Your Garden Location

Location can be the key to your herb garden.  Sun is essential to many herbs, although there are some that may not require the sunlight that others do.  Be sure to read up on the herbs you decide to grow to choose the best location.

Herbs can be easily grown indoors with the right amount of lighting.  Many herbs require 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.  

Step Three: Choose Your Containers

Once you have figured out your location for your herb garden, it’s time to figure out what you will grow them in.  There are so many different materials to use depending on your style.  Here are some neat ideas we found to get your creative juices flowing.

Tips:

·       Containers should be at least 6 inches wide if only growing one herb in it.

·       If you are planning on using large containers combine two or more plants into one. (Be sure to research herbs you wish to combine to be sure they all require the same amount of sunlight and water)

·       Be sure containers have good drainage (this could include poking a decent sized hole into the bottom to allow excess water to drain.

     Step Four: Planting your Herbs

Potting Mix: For container gardens, it is actually preferable to use “Potting Mix” rather than “Potting Soil”.  What is sold as "potting soil" is likely to be poor-quality and sticky with poor drainage. "Potting mix" is lighter, made mostly from organic matter such as peat or composted plant matter, and designed to give container plants the texture and drainage they need.  Try to find potting mix with slow-release or organic fertilizer pellets in it to avoid having to fertilizing every few weeks.

Water: Potting mix can dry out quickly so be sure to check the soil often by sticking your finger into the soil.  If it feels dry an inch beneath the surface, it’s time to water.

Pruning: Each herb is different when it comes to pruning.  Be sure to research for each specific herb.

Step Five:  Enjoy!

Herb gardens are a wonderful way to add greenery and fragrance to your living space.  Once your herb garden takes off, you can enjoy fresh herbs with a snip of the scissors. 

We would love to hear what’s in your herb garden!