An Introduction To Herb Gardens

Herb gardens are both beautiful and useful, particularly if you use herbs in your cooking

. They're also easy to grow and require little maintenance. The following post covers the basics of herb gardening.

Before planting determine which herbs you'll use most. Basil, rosemary and thyme are 3 very common herbs used in cooking while lavender is treasured for its intense fragrance. Most herbs are similar to perennials in that they return each spring after dying back to the ground each fall. Some varieties are annuals however, these will live for only one season. They also grow in various ways. For instance, creeping thyme is a very low growing groundcover. Basil grows in clumps while mint is a taller, vigorously growing herb which often needs to be contained.

Layout the design of your herb garden on paper first. If you know the size of your garden you'll easily be able to choose the appropriate plants. Plant the annuals and the perennials in different locations in the garden. Tip: plant perennials at the edge of the garden so when it is time to till your garden they won't be disturbed.

Plan your garden with the tall herbs at the back and the short ones in front. Also, give your plants with enough space to grow; many of the spreading herbs require quite a bit of space. In fact, some can be quite invasive and require frequent pruning.

Herbs are easily grown in pots or planters so if you lack the space for a herb garden in your yard, consider planting a container garden. As with any container garden be sure to use a high quality planting mix which will feed your herbs throughout the growing season. Planting a few annual flowers in the pots as well is a great way to add color to the container garden.

The design of your garden should reflect your own personal preferences. Rectangular herb gardens beds can de divided into sections with paths or, for smaller garden, with brick or coble edging. Stone, metal edging or landscape timbers can define the garden edges and also help contain some of the more vigorously spreading herbs.

If you're planning on cooking with your herbs it's a good idea to locate the garden near the house. An herb garden adjacent to a patio is a great idea if the herbs in the garden fragrant. Kitchen window boxes are also ideal for herbs.

Though different herbs have different needs most prefer full sun and alkaline soil. Perennial herbs can be planted anytime during the growing season. Annuals, however, should be planted in the spring, after there is no longer a chance of frost. Herbs can also be started from seed on a windowsill prior to the growing season. Simply follow the directions on the seed packet for soil, watering and temperature.

Herbs are easy to grow and a wonderful addition to any garden. If you provide them with adequate drainage, a sunny spot, water and nutrient rich, organic soil, your herb garden with thrive for years.

by: John Green

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