How To Start
Your Own Herb Garden
The rewards of growing herbs are far greater than with other plants.
Other plants in the garden are mostly planted for their decorative value.
Herbs, on the other hand, can also be used for a myriad of other purposes
that stretch from flavouring your food to curing your flu to ridding your
home of insects.
Herbs are some of the easiest, most grateful plants to grow. If you
follow the following basic guidelines for setting up your
own herb garden, they will richly reward you with
their flavours and aromas.
Herb Garden Location
The ideal site for a herb garden is a sunny, open but sheltered spot
with well-drained fertile soil. As far as possible it should be free
from weeds and overhanging trees and have good access to the house so
that the herbs can be harvested in all weathers.
Most of the herbs that we can successfully grow in our country
originated in the warmer climates of the world where they grow in the
warm sun. It is these conditions that we must create for them. The
minimum requirement is four to seven hours of direct sun per day.
Remember that your herbs will grow well even
if they get less sun. They may tend to grow scraggly and will be more
susceptible to diseases, but with a little extra attention they will
still be successful.
Herbs are like most people: they do not like to have ‘wet feet.’ It is
very important that your soil have good drainage. Most herbs will survive in
poor sandy soil, but few will tolerate wet clay soil.
Culinary herbs should be planted away from possible contamination by
pets, roadside pollution and agricultural sprays.
If you would like to find out more about selecting
the best site for your herb garden read my
Herb Garden Site Selection article.
Herb Garden
Design
The appeal of a small formal herb garden remains timeless. Formal
designs are based on geometric patterns, which are framed by low hedges
and paved paths. For maximum impact each bed is planted with one kind of
herb, giving bold blocks of colour and texture.
Paving is an essential element, accentuating the formal lines and
geometric design. Natural shades, like sand, terracotta or grey,
contrast beautifully with the herbs, adding to the design element. The
pathways and stepping stones also provide access to the herbs for ease
of harvesting.
Planting Tips
Prepare the ground well in advance, remove weeds (they compete for
nutrition), fork in organic matter, such as compost, and rake the soil
so that the bed is level. You don’t need to add large amounts of manure
or fertiliser because that produces soft growth. The article on site preparation
will give you some additional tips on the preparation of your herb
garden.
Before transplanting herbs out of their "nursery" pots into the
ground, water the pots well because a dry rootball is difficult to wet
thoroughly once it is in the ground.
Because "nursery" pots are small, herbs tend to become root bound. To
encourage new root growth gently loosen the root ball before planting in
the ground. Pinch out the tips of shrubby herbs, like thyme, to
encourage bushy growth. Add some bone meal or fishmeal at the bottom of
each planting hole.
If you are using a planting plan, first set the herbs in their
positions. It is easier to move them around while they are still in
their pots, rather than having to transplant them later. Space them
according to their expected height and spread so they have room to
develop.
After planting firm the soil gently around the plant and water
thoroughly to settle the soil and give the herb a good start.
Some herbs, like the spearmint, can be invasive. Restrict their
spread by planting them in sunken containers. Remove any spreading
material immediately. Repot them yearly with fresh soil.
Caring for Your
Herb
Garden
Water newly planted herbs regularly but once they are established,
they are naturally drought resistant. Watering and drainage goes hand in
hand. Rather give your herbs too little than too much water. After a
good soaking, allow the water to drain away and the soil to dry off.
Water again when the top 2 or 3 cm of soil is dry to the touch.
Mulch your herbs once a year with bulky organic material, such as
shredded bark. Inorganic fertilising and heavy composting is not
recommended because this produces sappy growth that’s more prone to
disease and pests.
Fertilizing is very important, especially if you intend to use your
herbs on a regular basis. During the growing season (August to April
in the Southern hemisphere)
fertilize at least once a month. During the winter months one or two
doses will be sufficient.
Use any balanced fertilizer like 2:3:2. Always
half the dosage given on the packaging. The reason for this is that the
essential oils of herbs that ‘suffer’ a bit are more concentrated,
increasing their flavour, aroma and medicinal value.
If your herbs get
too much fertilizer they will grow scraggly and be more susceptible to
pests and diseases. Please note: If you are growing herbs for medicinal
purposes do not use artificial fertilizer. Use organics. You
can also try your own compost tea.
Pruning is essential to encourage healthy, bushy growth. Remove dead
leaves and flowers on a regular basis. Should you frequently use your
herbs, pruning may not be necessary as you would be pruning
automatically.
Herbs are not very prone to pests but if you do have an infestation
(aphids, red spider, white fly) either cut back the herbs or use an
organic pesticide.
Harvesting
Your Herb Garden
Collect small quantities of herbs at a time and handle them as little as
possible.
Do not cut herbs at random. Take the opportunity to pinch out or
prune the plant at the same time, removing unwanted shoots and
encouraging bushiness. Use a sharp knife or scissors, do not break, bend
or tear off the branches. Always harvest from clean, healthy plants in
peak condition
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