Herb Gardening for Beginners

Herb Gardening for Beginners:

Herbs are very easy to grow with a little sunshine, soil that drains well, some watering, and a little fertilizer or compost. Herbs can be grown in pots however the plants will always prefer to be in the ground where they can spread out. Some plants will grow quite large, 4-6 feet, and in pots they are really stunted and can get stressed which causes them to be very unhappy.

The main thing necessary to grow herbs is to put them in the right place. Most will prefer full sun if you don't have regular summer temperatures above 90 degrees. If you do have very warm summers then you might consider planting in morning sun and afternoon shade or a place which receives filtered light in summer (under a tree that allows some light through). Check the area several times during the day to make sure that there will be at least 4 hours of sun. i.e. 8-12, 12-4, 9-11 and 2-4 etc.

For planting Herbs, you will need to allow approximately 1 to 4 feet in diameter for each plant depending up on the plant. Here are some guidelines for plant sizes:

Next you need to prepare the soil. Digging with a large garden fork will loosen up the soil that has been compacted over the years and allow water to drain and the plants roots to reach down into the soil. This is the most important step--shortcuts here will be disastrous to your plants. Adding some compost to your soil, about an inch or so on top and then dig it into the soil, will help with drainage problems and add fertilizer to the garden.

The final step is to plant healthy, strong plants and water them as they get dry. Most herbs like to be watered as soon as the soil is dry to the touch a couple of inches down into the soil. This will be different every week because of temperatures and humidity so you must check them often and do not over water. More watering is not better and can lead to diseases for your herbs.

For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8" tall. Cut close to a leaf intersection and your plants will regrow very quickly. Some plants such as parsley have new leaves growing from the center and need to have the oldest branches removed leaving the new growing point intact so the plant can regrow. This will be more clear as you watch your plants grow.

Herb Gardening in Containers:

Herbs are much easier to grow than many houseplants. All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for the plants you want to grow. Sunny decks, patios, and other such areas are great for container gardening and do not require the difficult digging that starting a garden usually requires. However, if you are lucky enough to have a great location for a garden and like to work outdoors, the plants will always prefer to be in the ground. Some plants will grow quite large and do much better in the ground for that reason alone. Container gardening requires diligent watering and regular feeding, but it can be easy and fun. The main things you will need are:
 

For planting Herbs, you will need to allow at least 8" in diameter for each plant. Later you may want to transplant to larger pots because they will outgrow their pots over time. (Basils can grow to over 2 1/2 feet high.)

First prepare your potting soil by filling the container and adding plant food according to the directions on the package for vegetables. I prefer organic vegetable fertilizers which last a long time and are less likely to overfeed. Moisten the potting soil by adding water and mixing soil until it feels damp all the way through. Place the pot on a saucer and you are ready to plant.

Next, dig holes large enough for each plant, turn the plant upside down, tap the bottom, and gently pull the base of the stem until the plant comes out of the container. Place the plant in the hole and fill around the edges pressing gently. Water the plant immediately after planting and then water them only when the soil gets dry to the touch. Over watering can be just as bad as under watering for Herbs.

Plants should get at least 4 hours of sunshine per day (certain plants will appreciate a bit of shade in the hot summer months, during the afternoon hours). They can grow with less, but they will not grow as well. For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8" tall. Cut close to a leaf intersection and your plants will regrow very quickly. Some plants such as parsley grow from the center and need to have the oldest branches removed leaving the new growing point intact so the plant can regrow.