How to Start Your Own Bountiful Herb Garden

Figure out what herbs you would like to have readily on hand before picking up any garden tool. If you tend to cook a lot, think about growing the herbs you reach for the most. Varieties such as basil and parsley are popular because they have a variety of uses in the kitchen while being easy to grow.

It's also fun to plant one or two herbs you are less familiar with and challenge yourself to find unexpected ways to work with them. Experts at local garden shops or nurseries also can give insight into what herbs may fair better in your region and give advice on how to ensure each plant fully develops. Think of this as the research stage in which you're studying up on your future plants' needs.

There's a misconception that all herbs require full sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive. That may be true for kitchen garden favorites such as dill, chervil, and cilantro, but there are a few herbs like mint and thyme which need more dappled sunlight. When selecting the location of your herb garden, look for areas in your garden that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day to plant most of your herbs. For those shade-loving herbs, consider placing them closer to other vegetables that prefer partial sun.

Containers are a great option for those with limited green space or even attempting to garden on an apartment balcony. The key is to ensure the planters drain efficiently to avoid the chance of root rot. Also, herbs don't typically grow elaborate root systems which means the pots can be on the smaller size.

There are two routes 0ne can take when comes to planting herbs. The first includes simply going to a local nursery and picking up a starter herb to sow straight into the ground. Be sure the hole is as deep as the original container it came in to ensure the roots have plenty of room to grow. Simply fill in around the plant, lightly pat down, and water well.

For those up for a little more of a challenge, consider planting your herbs from seed. This is where all the research you've done on your herbs comes into play. The optimal time for sowing certain seeds changes depending on where you live; consult your local gardening expert to find out when the planting should happen to ensure the herbs fully mature. In general, you should place at least 2 to 5 seeds into each spot as not every seed will germinate. As one would with starter herbs, gently cover the hole and mist with water. Seedlings can start popping up through the ground as early as a week later.