Herbs: Growing Your Own

The first thing you need to do when deciding to create your own Herb Garden is to decide on the size of the plot of land you want to use. This will depend on what herbs and how much you want to grow. Unless you are an experienced gardener or a herb fanatic don't make your plot too big at first. Remember, you can always add to it later. You can create a raised bed to grow your herbs in and always add more when you decide you need to grow more. Remember to plan out your planting sequence and keep records of what is planted where as well as marking your planting with plastic nametags.

You need to remember that most herbs usually like well-drained soil so start your bed with a good layer of gravel that will help drainage. Place your soil on top of this but remember to add some compost into this. If you have a free draining soil to start with you should be able to manage without the gravel. Make sure your plot is in full sun as many herbs originate in the Mediterranean region.

Most herbs can be sown from seed so you can buy these from your local nursery. You can also buy small plants fort transplanting but there is nothing more satisfying than doing all the work yourself so try to grow from seed first. If you don't succeed then try small plants later but remember to read the label, as some plants such as coriander do not transplant very well.

Remember that you can also grow many herbs in small tubs or window boxes and can even grow them on your windowsill. Try planting Basil over the winter as long as it is indoors as Basil is a frost tender plant and will die after a single light frost. You can also try starting your seeds off early in the year to plant out as soon as the risk of frost has passed. An early start will give you herbs for longer. If you plant out too early you can always try covering your tender plants with fleece to keep the frosts off. If you live in a frost-free place, get cracking now.

About The Author

Andy Wiley is a budding gardener, chef and internet writer. Check out his new site at http://www.healthy-herbs.com.

---

A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space

If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More

Garden for Birds #4

I would like to know...WHO STOLE SUMMER???What did you do... Read More

How to Water Your Houseplants Wisely

Over watering ranks first in causes of houseplant demise because... Read More

Flower Meanings & History of Flowers

The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people... Read More

Laying Out Your New Landscape

When planning your new landscape, the first place to start... Read More

What is the Right Plant and Where Do I Put It?

Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More

Composting and Composters: A Basic Introduction

Why Compost?Recent studies show that an average family throws away... Read More

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can... Read More

How to Grow Apples

The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More

Make The Most From Your Vegetable Garden

All your hard work has paid off, and now you... Read More

Gardening Tips and Tricks for Late Autumn

Preparing for the Winter Months: Gardening in OctoberWhen you feel... Read More

Fertilizers - What you Need to Feed Your Lawn

Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive,... Read More

The Care of Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya Care: a bit more in-depth.This month we are going... Read More

Patio Design and Patio Furniture - The Use of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is... Read More

Chives - Allium Schoenoprasum

Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown... Read More

Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More

Want a Garden but Not Enough Room or Soil? Then Hydroponics Gardening could be for You

Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants... Read More

Fleur De Lotus: Purity in a Sullied World

Rising from a muddy pond, a lotus flower blossoms. Such... Read More

Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening Gloves

Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners -... Read More

How to Raise House Plants from Seeds Easily

The principal house plants which are easy to raise by... Read More

Riding Lawn Mowers

Most riding lawn mowers are machines fun ride and extremely... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Spring Flower Garden

Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors... Read More

Viburnum

Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More

Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More

How to Grow Bananas

If your grocer says, "Yes, we have no bananas. We... Read More

How To Prune Your Roses For Stunning Results

Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More

Compost YES, Epsom Salts NO

You'll often hear garden writers recommending the use of Epsom... Read More

Agio Patio Furniture

The fresh air of the early spring solstice and the... Read More

10 Tips for Successful Rose Planting

Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More

What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?

The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More