5 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

and perennials year after year. Some herbs will thrive with hard pruning, like chives, which actually regenerate their foliage only after pruning. It is important to read the packaging of each herb seed packet to determine which classification the herb is in.
In selecting herbs, think of those purchased most often at the store. Savory, chives, fennel, mints, and thyme are good to start with, if planting a perennial garden for culinary needs. It would give a blend of strong herbs for cooking and a strong aromatic garden with a bit of visual stimulation.

Before deciding on definite herbs to plant, ponder where they will grow. Will it be an outdoor garden? Part of an existing garden? Container plantings only? When selecting a site for a garden, first consider the drainage, one of the most important factors in a successful herb garden. Herbs will not grow in wet soils. Lighting is also critical. Most herbs require full to partial sun. However, some, like many of the mints, will require light shade.
Most herbs can be started by seed, as diseases or insects affect very few like many other plants in the garden. Nevertheless, there are a few herbs, the mints for example, which need to be contained, or they will overtake the whole garden. Planting them in a large tin coffee can with large holes punched into the bottom rim for drainage should confine the plant for several years.
If starting seeds indoors, be sure to use a light, well-drained soil. Be careful not to bury the seeds any deeper than the package indicates. A nice rule of thumb here is the smaller the seed the shallower it should be sown. Either cover the seeds with wet paper or a seed cover to ensure the soil remains moist during germination. When watering be sure to only mist spray the soil. Transplant new seedlings directly into the ground once the danger of frost is past. Obviously, many of the plants can also be started from seedlings or cuttings directly from the nursery.
If growing herbs indoors for year-round enjoyment, the same essential conditions are required. Ensure the plants have enough sunlight and well-drained soil. A south or west window is usually a sunny location even in winter months. When planting inside, use two parts potting soil to one part sand. To ensure the soil is fertilized properly, add one teaspoon of lime per five inches of container. Line the bottom of each pot with either large gravel pebbles or small shells to ensure good drainage.
When watering the herbs, remember that growing plants need more water than established plantings. It is also interesting to note that clay pots seem to dry out faster than other style pots. However, remember, soggy roots kill herbs. When planting indoors, mist spray the herbs, or place the pants on a moistened tray of pebbles. Herbs can be moved outdoors during the summer months, or kept indoors year round. It may be necessary to re pot herbs each year, and occasionally even prune some back.
Whatever the reasoning for planting an herbal garden, it can be a vastly rich, aromatic, and useful part of any landscape.

Learn more about this author, Reverend Ashira Goddard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Basic herb gardening?
We want to hear your view. Write now!