by Sammy Stein

Created on: January 22, 2012   Last Updated: May 07, 2012

Having your own fresh herbs readily available is just one of the great things about growing your own at home. It is possible for anyone,no matter how little or great your gardening experience, to have a fantastic home herb garden.

First, think about which herbs you use regularly and make a list. It might be that you can grow some of them in your own yard. If you have not grown herbs before, check directories to see which are easy to grow and concentrate on these for the first couple of years, adding to your growing repertoire as you become experienced.

Many herbs such as parsley, thyme, basil and oregano are easily grown from seed and, although someplants will last only one or two years, the plants give long seasons of production when you can harves the leaves for those tasty meals. Rosemary and thyme will last many years if you harvest carefully whilst basil lasts a year and parsley two years. KNowing the life cycles willhelkp you plan your herb garden so there is always something ready to harvest.

Herbs are also aromatic and they have pretty flowers. Many come from the Mediterranean regions of the world which means they will grow in poor soil, withstand drought and still produce very attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. If you have a very small area like a window box or a patch in the yard, herbs can provide a lot of interest over the year, from textured foliage to delicate, scented flowers.

Find out the sizes of the herbs you want to grow and then plan the growing areas, arranging the plants in size order so they all get enough light and warmth. Herbs do not like cold, damp corners so avoid these but in general, they prove a hardy group of plants. One or two such as mint (Mentha spicata) can be invasive so make sure yo uplant these kind of herbs insunken pots or in containers.

Use a seed compost to start the seeds off and plant herbs in small groups over 2 months or so, sowing a small pinch at regular intervals to give a long harvesting period. Thin them once they have their first pair of proper leaves, into general purpose, freely draining compost or soil and make sure you allow adequate space for each plant. You can arrange them in traditional beds, a wheel with the larger ones at the centre or in blocks. They make great patio plants and can be used between pavers to provide aromatic texture and flowers as well as culinary uses. Herbs make surperb container plants and you can move them around your garden to ensure they get the best sunlight or to protect them.

Harvest once the plants are large enough and try to take a tiny amount from each plant rather then denude a plant all at once. That way, new leaves will form, giving you a long, regular supply of fresh leaves. USe small, sharp snippers to remove a few leaves at a time, leaving a clean,small cut.

Herbs provide so much in any garden, no matter the size. They provide texture, easy to grow plants, they can withstand a degree of neglect and suit every kind of gardener.

Give herbs a go - you won't regret it.

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