Tips on Different Ways To Grow a Herb Garden

Some people just seem to have a green thumb and a real knack for growing fresh herbs to make gourmet meals. Using herbs grown in a kitchen window can enhance any meal. Most people think that methods to grow an herb garden are complicated but in truth, they are quite easy. The great thing is that herbs don’t require special soil, they can be grown throughout the year, and the garden could be grown in a window sill, this makes a great project for anyone, even apartment dwellers.

Growing an herb garden can be started with seedlings, indoors in early spring. When the weather warms up your plants will be ready to put in the ground outside. Start the herb seeds in 4 inch containers in a sunny location or in a greenhouse, if you have one. You can use a variety of containers such as flats or trays instead of the individual pots. If you plan to use old containers thoroughly clean them with one part bleach to nine parts water this will protect your herbs from any disease organisms.

Some people will choose a larger container and grow two, three, or even four herb plants together. To ensure the best flavor is produced, flower heads must be pinched off. Many types of herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley are annuals, which means they only last one year. If you have room outdoors, you could grow an herb garden consisting of larger plants such as lavender and rosemary, which produce sprigs to last years. Herbs such as sage, mint, and chives are perennials, which means they continue growing year after year but will require some attention to ensure ongoing growth such as cutting them back.

If you have healthy soil, great but if not, perhaps you may be dealing with clay or sandy soil where any type of herbs will not grow. In this case, you could choose buy or build a raised garden box in which to grow the herb garden plants. As long as the boxes have good drain holes and rich soil is added, the herbs will do well. Garden boxes can be purchased or made in any size to work in the designated area of the yard such as under a window. In addition to using the raised garden bed for herbs, you could also use a portion for vegetables or flowers. Remember, herbs must get a lot of sunlight regardless of where the plants are located.

Growing an herb garden is really easier than you think. You can begin today to grow your own herbs such as basil, chives, tarragon, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and sage today. Freshly cut herbs add so much more flavor to any recipe.