Mini Herb Garden
For many herb gardeners, especially culinary minded ones, growing the freshest herbs in a minimum amount of space is how they like to do it. By definition this will be a container garden of some type and usually small enough to sit on your desktop or window sill.
If you search online you will find several commercially available models. I spotted one that uses a hydroponic system. That’s fine if that’s your thing, but a mini herb garden doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Start out with the herbs you wish to grow. Again, know thy herbs, because size does matters. You wouldn’t want to plant lavender or fennel with these space restrictions. So pick plants that will be relatively small when mature.
Next choose the containers. Small clay pots work fine, especially for beginners. For the more crafty, I mean those who like crafts, there are online instructions for making containers out of empty juice boxes. Another website featured painting small terra cotta pots and presenting the finished project as a gift. Let your creativity flow as there are no bad ideas here.
Create your soil mixture with equal parts of potting soil, dirt, and sand and add one tablespoon of agricultural lime to give it the slightly alkaline level that herbs love. Fill your chosen containers and press your seed down about one inch. Not too far and don’t compact the soil. Lightly water without over watering.
Place in a south or west facing windowsill for herbs that like sunny conditions. A desktop works well if there is artificial lighting to give your plants what they need.
If you aren’t too crafty or just want the fun without the extra effort, then consider an herb garden kit. Many kits are designed with small containers that can be stored on the desktop or as a hanging garden. Many kits come with seed and growing medium (soil) to make it even easier.
One of my favorites is the mini-garden stacker that consists of several small stackable growing containers that look like the plants are interwoven. Many kits also come with a “mini-greenhouse” for germinating the plants.
Happy Herb Gardening!
Tea Herb Gardening
Chamomile tea is widely advertised as a relaxing tea to be drunk before bedtime. The reason for this is the dominant effect it has as a muscle relaxant. Harvest and dry the flowers to later brew for your tea. Because is relaxes muscles it can prove beneficial to relieving menstrual cramps. The benefits of chamomile are cumulative, meaning that while you receive immediate benefit from drinking its tea, the more regularly and longer period of time you consume the tea the greater its benefits. Chamomile has no known adverse side effects so drink as much as two or three cups of chamomile tea in the evening. To brew simply put a heaping tablespoon of dried flowers into your cup and cover with boiling water. Cover and steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Strain out the herb, squeezing to get every last drop.
The herb is best known for its calming of the digestive tract. It soothes the stomach muscles, stimulates digestive juice secretion, and can reduce inflammation from irritable bowel syndrome. Mint has been shown to have anti-microbial properties. That a big word that means it kill bad bacteria in your gut, which is a good thing. It can also calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and tension. Plus, it just tastes good. To make mint tea from fresh herbs simply harvest the desired amount of leaves placing these in a cup or tea steep. Pour hot, but not boiling, water over the leaves, cover (this is critical to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils) and steep for several minutes.
Called this because its white flower has a lemony smell. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used in herbal medicine. The tea has several important qualities such as; combating insomnia and problems with sleeping. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system and can reduce anxiety. Lemon balm has a positive effect on memory and is even use with Alzheimer patients to aid short term retention. Place one tablespoon of dried flowers or two tablespoons fresh into tea steep. Cover with boiling water and steep until desired flavor is reached. Lemon Balm makes a refreshing sun tea as well.
Well-known in the culinary world (where both the bulb and seeds are used), fennel herb, which is the seed has an interesting reputation as a medicinal herb. Reportedly it has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles where it can provide relief for digestive problems and menstrual cramping. The tea is gentle enough for babies and can relieve colic. Some report that it boosts metabolism and thus helps with weight loss and is also a diuretic. Pour one cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of slightly crushed fennel seeds, cover, steep for five minutes, and strain.
In the Southern United States this herb is best known as an important ingredient in pork sausage and cornbread dressing, served during the Holidays. As a tea it combats the effects of fever, including sweats. It is known to fight colds, liver and kidney problems. When gargled, sage tea treats a sore throat, mouth sores and mouth ulcers. To brew use ten fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried sage per one cup of hot water. Steep covered for ten minutes and strain.
Also called aniseed, pimpernel seed, and sweet cumin, this sweet smelling herb is also commonly used to flavor foods and is what gives licorice its, well, licorice flavor. Anise is a member of the parsley family and is a natural breath freshener. Unsweetened anise tea is a natural mouthwash and many commercial mouthwashes contain anise. Lactating mothers can use anise tea to increase milk flow. The essential oil extracted from ground anise seeds helps loosen phlegm in the throat and lungs. Anise tea can be made by steeping two teaspoons of crushed anise seeds in one cup of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes.
Echinacea tea is one of the best known herbal remedies for boosting the immune system by boosting the production of white blood cells. Native to the United States, it grows primarily in the heartland and the south and has been used by Native Americans for over 400 years as a general cure-all. Echinacea has recently been touted as a common cold fighter. It is also known to relieve inflammation due to arthritis. For tea use one to two teaspoons of Echinacea in one cup of unheated water. Slowly heat the mixture until it is boiling and let simmer for ten to twelve minutes. Strain and serve.
Peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and water mint and is prized for its wonderful flavor and medicinal qualities. Within its volatile oil peppermint contains the powerful therapeutic agent menthol. This is the well known ingredient in “cough drops” that help clear congestion and cough due to cold and allergies. Like other mint, peppermint tea relieves many digestive symptoms and reduces heartburn. It has even been known to dissolve gallstones. Pour hot, but not boiling, water over the leaves, cover (this is critical to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils) and steep for several minutes. When combined with spearmint it, like the gum, is called doublemint tea.
Lavender has been valued as a scented herb throughout the centuries but few people think of it as a medicinal herb. Just as the fragrance causes relaxation and soothing the mind so does consuming the tea. Lavender helps to ease insomnia and calms nervousness and anxiety. To make lavender tea, simply infuse a handful of dried lavender blossoms in a pot of boiling water. Let the tea steep for about seven to ten minutes. Then strain and enjoy.
Rosemary helps to improve memory and aids in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Rosemary tea contains rosmarinic acid and many other antioxidants that have shown to prevent the breakdown of a neurotransmitter that preserves brain tissues. It also reduces arthritis inflammation and headache pain. Add one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaf to one cup of hot water, cover, and steep for five to ten minutes, strain, and drink.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena, which has a lemony scent, can act as an anti-depressant and digestive aid, helping with metabolism. Lemon Verbena tea is made from the leaves of this herb is very calming and mildly sedative too and gives it the reputation for stress reduction. To infuse Lemon Verbena tea use one-fourth cup of fresh leaves or two teaspoons of dried covered and steeped in one cup of boiling water for five to ten minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Known mostly for its contribution to the culinary world; basil has many health benefits. Basil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties so is beneficial to arthritis sufferers. Basil leaf tea tends to combat nervous system fatigue, insomnia and menstrual cramps. Basil tea should only be made with fresh leaves. Begin with about a dozen leaves or two sprigs. Steep in a cup of very hot water for five to seven minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Well known for its effect on cats, catnip makes a very healthy tea for humans. It is shown in reducing fevers and as a decongestant. Catnip is well known to remove toxins from the body. Historically, fresh catnip leaves were chewed to reduce or eliminate toothaches and was give to babies when teething. Catnip tea helps relieve severe migraine symptoms and is a digestive aid, relieving severe diarrhea, especially in children. As an anti-inflammatory it relieves arthritis pain. Catnip herb is extremely safe to use and consume and infuse the leaves with very hot water to make the tea.
Happy Herb Gardening!
Herb Garden Designs
Herb garden designs are not offered as a degree program in any college or university I know of. Fortunately, that isn’t needed. You can learn everything you need to know on this website and other good ones out there. You will succeed after you learn some simple principles.
Several considerations are important in the design of your garden, such as; light, water, root space, dominant herbs and soil type. Getting each one right (not necessarily perfect) can mean the difference between a good herb garden design or a great one.
Consider also your growing region. Don’t plan a design featuring plants that, simply, will not grow where you live. My zone is 6 and it is a waste of time and effort to plant herbs meant for Zone 8. Usually, your local garden center will only carry seeds that will thrive in your zone, so check with them and see what kinds of seeds they sell.
Prior planning prevents poor performance in your garden too. Should you be an online shopper, like me, and don’t always check the zone for ordering seeds, fear not. Save those seeds that won’t grow in your area and plan an indoor container garden.
Be completely aware of how much sunlight each herb type requires when designing your herb garden. Sensitive plants will turn brown is subjected to too much sunlight. Plan your garden with landscape shrubs and buildings in mind to reduce direct sunlight for those tender plants.
Don’t forget that your plant needs some sunlight. Avoid landscaping or structures that blocks in sun from reaching the garden. By all means, know your herb and use that knowledge to select the garden location with the best possible amount of sunlight.
Knowing your plants growing tendency is important. Some herbs, like mint or chives, spread and can quickly take over your garden, going places you don’t want and never intended.
In addition to these “spreaders,” perennials (which mean the plant returns each year without replanting or reseeding) will also spread. A clever idea a friend showed me is to plant your perennials in a large container and then bury the container in your garden. No one will be the wiser and the perennial roots cannot spread.
Another important item to note is how many plants to put in a given amount of space. We all want as many different kinds of herbs in our garden; however, overcrowding your plants can lead to disaster.
Overplanting creates dense foliage that limits the air flow as well as sunlight getting to your plants. In time this can lead to diseases like mildew, rot, and rust spreading on your herbs. Give your plants the recommended spacing to reduce the chances of disease.
These enemies of the garden are kept at bay with proper air movement. Windy conditions aren’t ideal but have gentle air moving through the foliage is. To facilitate this plant shorter plants up front and taller ones in the back; think class reunion photograph.
I live in an area that has strong winds. Should you have a similar situation then plan to use existing buildings and bushes to block or reduce the wind.
Happy Herb Gardening!
Windowsill Herb Garden
Any room looks better once you have planted a windowsill herb garden. While herbs are attractive plants they are extremely useful, especially in the kitchen. Any room will benefit from a garden assuming you use right container, soil, and have proper lighting
With the high quality, and availability, of herb starter products, both online and at your local nursery there is no longer a serious reason to wait. Start now to enjoy your herbs that much sooner.
Just like its outdoor cousin the first decision is placement of the windowsill garden. If possible, choose a south, or west, facing window. This allows for optimal light for your plants.
Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is the recommended amount for most herbs. Should your chosen location not get direct sunlight then give your plants the needed energy with a simple “grow lamp” set in the window.
While some people like to choose various individual pots for the window ledge, my belief is that this tends to be cluttered. Take your time and choose an appropriate container.
My best recommendation is a long rectangular container called a potting tray. This fits well in a windowsill and holds a variety of herbs. For best results skip the cheap plastic ones and choose clay trays, which allow the soil to “breathe.”
Creating the right soil mix is necessary for your plant’s success. Herbs prefer a soil that is deficient in nutrients. This is best accomplished by mixing potting soil and clean sand (which also retains moisture without staying too wet). To achieve the slightly alkaline soil in which herbs thrive mix in one or two tablespoons of agricultural lime.
Add a one inch layer of aquarium gravel or pebbles to the bottom of your potting tray to allow for proper drainage of the soil.
Never overwater your herbs or set the pot outside during a rainstorm. This is quick way to create an unhealthy environment.
One effective way to water herbs is to mist the leaves. Not all water is taken in through the roots and misting is an herb-friendly supplement to root watering.
To ensure that overwatering is not occurring check the soil by lightly pressing it about an inch from your plant. The soil should feel moist but not wet. If a puddle forms around your fingertip the plant is overwatered.
Sprinkle some seed onto the soil and press each down into the soil, but don’t overdo it. Start the seed no deeper than one-half inch. This helps the seed to germinate faster and gives the root system the best chance to develop.
Happy Herb Gardening!
Growing Garden Herbs
Because of the variety of herbs available there are almost as many different reasons for growing garden herbs. Many love having a kitchen windowsill garden of culinary herbs ready for the picking. Aromatherapy is popular and the fragrant herbs create lovely treats for the nose.
However, like most things in life, you will only get out of your herb garden what you put into it. These delicate plants will reward you with joy if you put the right things into them.
In gardening everything begins with the soil. Most herbs prefer a well-drained soil so take the time to create the soil bed yourself. After choosing the spot for your herb garden dig down about a foot deep, removing the dirt from this hole.
Herbs are small with shallow roots and do not require the deep space vegetables and shrubs need. Think of this like building a house, starting with the foundation. In this instance, the foundation is a layer of gravel at the bottom of the bed. This allows water to drain away from the root system.
There is no commercial soil suited for herbs so be prepared to mix your own. Your soil mix should drain easily yet retain enough water to stay damp (but not wet) and be relatively low in nutrients.
Mix equal parts dirt (use what you have just dug out), sand, and potting soil. Calculate the approximate square footage of the growing area and add one tablespoon of lime per square foot to the soil mixture. This creates an alkaline environment that herbs prefer. After this is thoroughly mixed fill in the hole to about two inches from the top, leaving this space for planting seeds.
Most herbs will germinate when planted from seed. Some, however, require an extended germination period. Parsley is a good example of this type. After spreading the seed across the top of the soil bed lightly cover the seed without tamping the soil. Water to the point of having the soil damp but not wet. Actually touch the soil to check and do this test before and after each watering.
Prior planning should have identified the areas of the garden that receive direct, full sun and where surrounding buildings or trees provide shade and indirect sunlight. However, now that your garden is planted make this check again. Many herbs need a semi-shaded area while others require direct sunlight. In either case, “Know thy herb.”
Should additional shade, from the noon sun, be needed sunscreens can be purchased from local garden centers and big-box home improvement stores.
Proper planning and preparation is time well spent when you watch your herb garden thrive. This should give you a well deserved sense of satisfaction.
Happy Herb Gardening!
Fresh Herb Gardening
Need some gardening fun in your life? Consider fresh herb gardening. One of the simplest (and easiest) forms of gardening is growing herbs. If you consider yourself a gardening beginner you can quickly discover how to easy growing fresh herbs really is.
Whether you choose to grow herbs indoors or outdoors, it is nice to have a choice which is unlike other kinds of gardening. Having your plants indoors can be soothing and relaxing. Immersing yourself in caring for your herbs takes your mind a thousand miles from the daily grind. Preparing dinner is much more exciting when you can harvest your own fresh herbs for immediate use.
Enjoying success with an herb garden takes a small amount of planning. You should make an educated decision regarding the types of herbs you want to grow. Aromatic herbs, medicinal herbs, and culinary herbs are the three main categories of herbs for home gardens.
Some fresh herbs can serve more than one purpose in your garden. Mint is a prime example of a culinary herb that helps to aid digestion. As such it is also a medicinal herb. One more reason it is popular in fresh herb gardens.
Whether you plant your garden indoors or out is influenced greatly by the selection of herbs you wish to grow. While many herbs do quite well planted indoors, other herbs will only succeed in the outdoor garden.
Rosemary is an herb that responds well in an outdoor garden because it needs plenty of room to grow. On the other hand, because this herb can overtake your garden, many gardeners will only grow rosemary indoors or in a container to keep it from spreading. Many people use rose hips as a medicinal herb but it can only grow outdoors.
Soil conditions are an extremely important consideration when planting a fresh herb garden. Because herbs tend not to do well in a soil that retains water or has a high nutrient content, avoid using pure potting soil. This is a common mistake among beginning herb gardener mistake.
Combine potting soil, ordinary dirt, and sand to provide an ideal soil mix for your herbs. It is proven that this mixture is well drained and reduces the nutrient content of the potting soil, without eliminating it altogether. Add one tablespoon of agricultural lime to each growing pot, or each square foot of outdoor garden to give herbs the slightly alkaline soil condition preferred.
If you plan to plant seed or cuttings avoid the mistake of covering too deeply. You will become frustrated when your garden dies off before it starts because your herb did not germinate or sprout. Keep your planting to about two inches max and slightly loose without over compacting.
Happy Herb Gardening!
