Tips on Growing Herbs

Growing Herbs is Fun & Easy

As herbs grow easily with a minimum of fuss, growing herbs is a fun, easy and healthy hobby. Before starting your herb garden consider soil, sun and space requirements as to where you want to grow them.

Soil
They grow in most soil types. For best results, conditions should be matched to those where they grow wild. Many of the herbs are native to Mediterranean countries where they grow on mountain sides in light loam soils.

Most herbs prefer this light, well drained, crumbly soil. However, they will still grow in fairly heavy soil types as long as good drainage of water is provided. To improve drainage mix in some compost. Or place a layer of fine gravel about 16 inches under the soil.

Before growing herbs or if issues present themselves when growing herbs, it may be beneficial to purchase a soil testing kit to test the pH of the soil. This soil test will let you know whether the soil is acid or alkaline. On the pH scale number 7 is neutral. Numbers above 7 show a alkaline soil, while numbers below 7 a acid soil. (pH scale range 0 to 14).

Each herb has its own optimum pH level, however the general rule for the best soil for herbs is a slightly alkaline soil.

If your soil shows up as extremely acidic, you can fix it by adding limestone. On the other hand if it shows up as extremely alkaline you will need to lower the pH, this can be done by adding a recommended amount of a sulfur product. (Ammonium sulfate is the sulfur product most commonly used).

Adding compost from plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, from a pile or bin that has been let to decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms will also balance the soil to the ideal pH range. This will also improve soil that is too sandy, has too much clay, or is low in the organic material that plants need to thrive.

Also adding mulch to the top of your garden assists in keeping the soil retain its moisture, reduces the growth of weeds and starting the process of natural composting.

WHERE TO PLANT

Sun and Shade
The majority of herbs require the maximum amount of sunshine during the growing season. In order to obtain the best out of your herbs in relation to flavor and fragrance, it is best to try and copy the conditions of the herbs natural habitat. When you are ready to start planting, and the instructions state to plant in a sunny position, this means that the plant should be exposed to about 7 hours of sunshine each day. Partial shade means the plant will require about 4 hours each day. It is essential to protect herbs from cold winds. This can be done by planting them under a natural slope, against a fence, wall or hedge that protects from the main prevailing wind direction.

Access
Planting your herbs in a convenient location near the kitchen would be ideal if conditions allow for this. If you are preparing a meal in the evening or a rainy day and you decide to grab a herb, you will not always want to put on your raincoat or shoes and walk through the wet grass or across a garden bed.

Apart from the herb bed or garden on its own, herbs can be planted in a variety of settings.

Plant alongside your other vegetables in your vegetable garden.Woody stemmed herbs make useful hedging plants in the garden. Herbs like rue, sage, hyssop, lavender and rosemary. To keep them neat, regular trimming is required.

Herbs can also be planted in small containers and hung from the patio roof. The main thing is that there must be enough room in the containers for the root system to obtain sufficient moisture and food from a well prepared soil. Adequate holes also need to be on the bottom to allow adequate drainage of water. It is a good idea to have a base of small stones or similar hard materials on top of these holes to prevent the compost from gradually washing down and blocking the drainage.

Window boxes can also be a good place for herbs. The recommended width should be at least 20cm (8in) and the depth 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in). They can be made or purchased in a variety of materials.The only material to avoid is metal as it absorbs heat so readily that the herb roots shrivel.

Growing herbs indoors
Growing herbs from seeds indoors can present a challenge. They often quickly become weak and drawn without vigour. To get around this, a suggestion is to purchase established plants from your local nursery.If you would like to grow from seeds indoors they will require close attention in relation to light, sun, watering and ventilation.

Another option for growing herbs indoors is to obtain the "Aerogarden". It is a revolutionary kitchen appliance whereby you can grow herbs, vegetables or flowers without soil. Learn more.

Growing herbs - which ones?
Herbs are very versatile, what would you like to grow herbs for?

Adding flavor to cooking recipes?
Making herbal teas and other drinks?
Simple remedies for health issues?
Creating natural cosmetics?
All of the above?

If you simply wish to add flavor to your meals a few well chosen herbs will be sufficient.By doing some research on each herb you can find the appropriate herbs for your needs. It's interesting to note that even with just one herb, all of the above choices can be satisfied. For example sprigs of rosemary will add a delicious flavor to lamb. Can be used as a hair rinse to give strength and color to dark hair. Can be used as a herbal tea to relieve headaches and stress. Also, dried rosemary adds fragrance to a potpourri to provide a gentle natural scent in the house.

When you have worked out your list of desired growing herbs, you will now have to work out the optimum number of plants to the space you have available in your garden. Be careful not to overestimate and get too many herbs for a small plot. Inadequate light or space for roots caused by overcrowding forces herbs to grow tall and spindly, which causes their scent and flavor to suffer.

For detailed instructions on how to grow each herb select from the following:

How to grow peppermint

How to grow parsley

How to grow tarragon

How to grow stevia