by Nova Walsh

Created on: April 20, 2010

Herbs are great plants to grow whether you have a large outdoor garden or a ledge on a windowsill.  Not only can herbs add a splash of color and vibrancy to any space, they can be used for anything from jazzing up poultry dishes to soothing a sore throat.  Below are growing tips to get you started and some common uses to inspire you to grow your own herbs.

Growing Tips

Light is the most important factor for growing any plant.  It is important that your herb garden gets several hours of sun a day.  If you have an indoor garden, try to place it close to a southern or western facing window or use a grow lamp to guarantee ample light.  If the herbs are outside they should be in an area that gets several hours sun a day depending on variety.

Drainage is also very important for herbs.  Herbs have a difficult time growing in wet soil – if it is too wet plants won’t get enough oxygen to their roots and rot will likely set in.  The best way to provide drainage is to add crushed rock or stone to the bottom of the pot or bed before planting.  It’s also important to not over-water herbs (one of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make).  The herbs should be slightly moist but never wet.  This is especially true for seedlings as fungus can kill off young plants quickly.    

Fertilizing should be kept to a minimum.  Unlike many other vegetables and fruits, herbs need little fertilizer and too much might actually be harmful.  When herbs get too many nutrients it can effect the taste and texture.  Leaves tend to get tough and stalks bitter.  Some light fertilizer might be necessary depending on your variety but remember to fertilize wisely.

Other Considerations

When first starting an herb garden you will need to decide whether to grow plants from seed or use starter plants.  Both seeds and plants can be found at most home improvement/DIY stores or through catalogs such as Burpee Seeds (http://www.burpee.com/).  Seeds can be difficult to start and transplant but they are also generally cheaper and there will be more varieties available.  Starter plants are a bit more expensive and you may not be able to find many different types, but it is much easier to keep these plants alive.

You also must decide whether you will grow your herbs indoors or outdoors.  This is largely a matter of space and taste.  Do keep in mind that outdoor herb gardens must

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>