Herb Garden Information
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Herbs and herb gardens are referenced all the way back in the history of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Chinese. Herbs are mentioned in the Bible and according to medieval history many households used herbs.
Gardeners will find several beneficial reasons to grow herbs. Herbs can be dried and used as potpourri, warm teas, as a spice in food, for medicinal purposes, and even control garden pests.
When you plan your herb garden consider whether you will specialize in herbs for one purpose or for several reasons. Herbs can be grown alongside other garden plants or inside your house in flower pots or containers.
When flexibility in planning is key herbs are a star; these can be grown in an outdoor garden plot or indoors using containers. The size of the plot is determined by expected herb use. A four foot by six foot garden plot is large enough to meet a small family’s needs, yet small enough to be easily maintained.
The most popular herbs grown are known as culinary herbs, those used in cooking. Herbs are also grown for aromatic leaves and some for their beautiful flowers. Fresh or dried, herbs can be used for any purpose. Herbs add flavor to almost any dish allowing chefs to enhance their offering. Other types of herbs are used in the kitchen for plate or salad garnish.
Herbs grow as annuals, perennials, shrubs, or trees, like other plants, so plan the garden accordingly. Another factor in garden planning is the amount of sun a spot receives. Most herbs enjoy plenty of sun while a few thrive in full shade. Research your desired herbs carefully. Some excel with full morning sun and complete shade in the afternoon. All of these factors affect the choice of planting location.
Well-drained soil is essential for most herbs. If the soil in the chosen planting spot is heavy or compacted amend with organic material or sand. Fertilizers are not usually need in an outdoor garden.
While some herbs are attacked by disease or insects most are unaffected. In dry, hot weather red spider mites can become a problem on low-growing plants. Caraway, fennel, dill, and anise are subject to aphid infestation, and rust will, at times, affect mint.
Gardeners have a choice of picking up herb plants at the nursery or starting from seed. It can be very exciting to watch a plant grow from a tiny seed. You can enjoy the entire “cradle to grave” process with a single plant. The sense of accomplishment one feels when harvesting herbs that was started from seed can be quite satisfying. Most herbs can be started and successfully grown from seed.
Beginning in late winter, place your herb seed in a shallow pot or box. Using a well-drained, light soil is best to start your seed. Herbs do not have deep roots so a light covering of soil is all that is needed. I.e. plant shallow. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the seed the more shallow it needs to be planted.
In the spring, transplant the seedlings to the outdoors. Again, know your herb. Some herbs do not transplant well, e.g. coriander, anise, fennel, dill, and should be directly planted in the garden.
Growing a home herb garden is simple, easy, and satisfying. However, do your homework and learn the information you need to gain an understanding of herbs. There are many good guides to successfully herb gardening and you should get one to discover the secrets gardening enthusiasts have known for years.
Happy Herb Gardening!
