Herb Growing
- A Most Rewarding Venture
Growing
herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding pastimes there is.
And you can easily turn your growing hobby into a part time or
full time business.
Herb
Growing Site
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.
Culinary
herbs should be planted away from possible contamination by pets,
roadside pollution and agricultural sprays.
Growing
Layout
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.
Commercial
growers or small scale micro-growers also layout their beds to
maximize crop yield and to minimize labour.
Herb
Growing 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.
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 Crops
Water
newly planted herbs regularly but once they are established, they
are naturally drought resistant. Rather water thoroughly and less
frequently.
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.
If you use
your herbs a lot feed them once every 6 to 8 weeks with a
well-balanced organic fertiliser at half the recommended strength.
You can also try your own compost tea.
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 Crops
Collect
small quantities 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.
More Herb
Growing Resources
The South African Herb Growers Guide
The Micro-Grower System
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