Planning Your Herb Garden

Growing herbs to use in natural remedies and cooking is a wonderful hobby. Not only do the fresh herbs taste better, they are also better for you. It is also possible to dry herbs you have grown. Even these have more taste than dried herbs bought from a store. When you grow your own herbs, you know what chemicals, if any, have been used on them. Here are some tips to help you get started growing herbs for your personal use.

First, think about your skill level. Are you just starting out? Have you had any type of garden before this venture? If you are new to gardening, you will probably want to start with a few basic herbs. Start with herbs you already use. Oregano and rosemary are good examples of herbs that are commonly used. This is also good advice if you have a small area for your herb garden.

Don't grow herbs just to have something growing. Just because something looks good on the seed packet doesn't mean you will have a use for it later. All it will do is clutter up your storage area and eventually spoil. You should choose herbs that you know you will have a use for.

Another use for herbs is in crafts. There are many herbs that can be used to make potpourri and wreaths. Rosemary is a very fragrant herb and is used in many kitchens. Fresh garlic can be braided to use as a kitchen decoration. Consider these properties while planning your garden.

Once you have made the choice regarding the herbs to be grown in your garden, find out what type of conditions your garden area has to offer. Does the soil drain well? Does the area get much sunlight? Read the seed packets or plant tags to find out what the needs are of specific herbs. You don't want to spend a lot of money on seeds or seedlings only to have them die or not sprout at all.

Check the plant information to see how much room each herb will need. If your space is limited you will probably not want to choose herbs that need a lot of room. Know how much room you have to work with and calculate how many plants you can fit into that area. Be sure to allow for pathways throughout your herb garden. You should be able to reach all the plants without stepping on the soil around the base of the herb. When choosing plants, be sure to look for healthy specimens. This will ensure better growth and healthier herbs later.

Although herb gardening can be a lot of work, it is also very rewarding. When you are able to go to your garden and pick the herbs you need to prepare a meal, you will feel a great sense of satisfaction. You will also know that you and your family are eating healthy food without unwanted chemicals. Hopefully, these tips will help you begin growing your own herb garden.

SOURCE

Rodale. Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Volume 5 Herbs. 2001. St. Martin's Press. United States.