Herb Gardening 101: An Easy Guide to Get Started
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: June 27, 2023
Have you ever dreamed of having your own little herb garden but felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting one? we’ve got you covered!
In this easy guide to herb gardening 101, we’ll take you on a journey from herb novice to expert in no time. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started and grow your delicious herbs right at home.
With our expert tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cultivate your own herb garden. So, get ready to dig in and discover the joy of herb gardening!
Why Should You Start Your Herb Garden?
Starting your herb garden is not only a fun and rewarding hobby but has several benefits for your health, wallet, and taste buds!
- It allows you to enjoy fresh and flavorful ingredients in your cooking
- You can save money by not having to buy expensive store-bought herbs
- Herbs have medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments
- Growing your herbs allows you to control the quality of your ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides
- Herb gardening is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint by growing your food and reducing transportation emissions.
Choose the right herbs for your herb garden
Choosing the right herbs for your garden can be overwhelming, but considering the following factors can help you make the best decision:
- Purpose: Herbs have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, and growing your own allows you access to natural remedies. For example, chamomile can help soothe anxiety and aid with sleep, while ginger can help with digestion and alleviate nausea. Choose herbs based on their properties and what you want to use them for.
- Climate: Different herbs have different temperature preferences. For example, lavender and rosemary prefer a warm, Mediterranean-like climate, while parsley and cilantro thrive in cooler temperatures. Research the preferred climate of the herbs you’re interested in growing to ensure they will flourish in your area.
- Space: Some herbs, like mint and oregano, can become invasive and take over your garden. Consider planting these herbs in containers or a separate garden area to prevent them from spreading too much. On the other hand, herbs like basil and thyme can be planted closer together and take up less space.
- Sunlight: Many herbs require full sun to thrive, but some can tolerate partial shade. For example, cilantro and parsley prefer some shade during the hottest part of the day. If your garden doesn’t receive a lot of sun, consider planting herbs that can tolerate shade.
Herbs that can grow well in shade
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Golden hop
- Golden Oregano
- Mint
- Thyme
- Lemon balm
Herbs that grow well in full sun
- Basil
- Dill
- caraway
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Aloe Vera
- Chamomile
- Summer Savory
Plan and Prepare Your Herb Garden
1
Find the Best Location for Your Herb Garden
Look for an area in your yard with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. Most herbs prefer full sun, so find a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas prone to flooding or poor drainage, as this can cause your herbs to become waterlogged and die.
2
Choose the Perfect Containers for Herb Gardening:
If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, consider planting your herbs in containers. You can use anything from traditional clay pots to recycled containers like old buckets or milk jugs. Make sure your containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out. If your containers don’t have holes, you can drill them yourself or add a layer of rocks to the bottom to improve drainage.
3
Get Your Soil Ready for Planting
Most herbs prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve quality if your soil is heavy or compacted. Use a high-quality potting mix for herbs and vegetables if planted in containers.
4
Gather the Essential Tools and Supplies
You’ll need essential tools and supplies to start your herb garden.
- Trowel
- Pruning shears
- Gloves
- Watering can or hose
- Hand rake
- Garden fork
- Garden scissors
- Garden Knife
- Wheelbarrow (for more extensive gardens)
Consider investing in a soil pH tester to ensure your soil is optimal for growing herbs.
How should you plant your herbs?
Planting herbs can be done by starting from seed or seed transplants. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know about each method:
Starting from Seed
- Requires patience as it takes longer for the herbs to grow and mature
- More cost-effective as you can purchase a larger quantity of seeds for less money
- Allows for more variety in herb selection
- Requires more attention and care to ensure successful germination and growth
- May not be as reliable as seed transplants as seed quality can vary
Seedling Transplants
- Provides a head start as the herbs have already germinated and started to grow
- Offers a higher success rate as seed transplants are typically healthier and more vigorous than seedlings
- Can be easier to manage as the herbs are already established
- Limited variety in herb selection as availability of seed transplants can vary depending on season and location
- More expensive than starting from seed.
Caring and Harvesting Tips
- Water your herbs regularly but avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize your herbs with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Trim and prune your herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
- Harvest your herbs in the morning when the oils are most concentrated for maximum flavour and potency.
- Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to harvest your herbs, cutting just above a set of leaves to encourage new growth.
- Don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stunting its growth or killing it.
- Store harvested herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dry place or freeze them for later use.
Take Away!
As you venture into the world of herb gardening, you’ll find that it’s a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the taste and aroma of fresh herbs in your cooking, but you also connect with nature and cultivate a sense of calmness and serenity.
So why not start your herb garden today? The possibilities are endless whether you grow your herbs indoors or outdoors, in containers or on the ground. With the tips and tricks in this article, you’re on your way to creating a thriving and abundant garden.
