My mom was a gourmet cook and also had a green thumb. It seems she always had fresh herbs right outside our kitchen to use in her latest test recipe. I have discovered that growing an herb garden really isn’t that difficult. In fact, it doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or have a large yard. The type of soil you have doesn’t matter either and growing an herb garden can be done anytime of the year.
Typically, an herb garden starts by planting seeds in the early part of spring and then as the weather turns warmer, the seeds would be planted in the ground outside. For growing herbs, all you need is a normal pot or container. Any type of container can be used, however, to ensure all organisms that can be found in used pots are killed, they should be washed out with a mixture of bleach and water, followed by a thorough cleaning.
Some people will choose a larger container and grow two, three, or even four herb plants together. To ensure the best flavor is produced, flower heads must be pinched off. Many types of herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley are annuals, which means they only last one year. If you have room outdoors, you could grow an herb garden consisting of larger plants such as lavender and rosemary, which produce sprigs to last years. Herbs such as sage, mint, and chives are perennials, which means they continue growing year after year but will require some attention to ensure ongoing growth such as cutting them back.
If you have poor soil such as heavy clay you may want to consider growing your herb garden plants in a raised bed. Raised bed planter boxes can be made easily and filled with a rich soil mixture. These boxes provide great drainage that most all herbs require. Place the planter boxes in an area that receives plenty of sun, possibly even a spot near the kitchen for easy access. These planters are also great for planting and growing summer veggies or spring and
summer flowers for cutting.
Growing an herb garden is really easier than you think. You can begin today to grow your own herbs such as basil, chives, tarragon, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and sage today. Freshly cut herbs add so much more flavor to any recipe.
