Beautiful Herb Garden Designs in a Few Easy Steps
Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
Herb Garden Designs There is no college degree available for herb garden designs. However, a little bit of knowledge can make a big difference in how well your herbs thrive. Don't worry; just a few basic principles will be all you need to succeed.
Some gardening factors are all that is needed.
- light,
- water,
- root space,
- dominant herbs, and,
- soil type.
The region in which you live is an important factor. Do not plan a garden with Zone 8 plants in Zone 6; it is a waste of time and effort. Your local nurseries will usually only carry seeds that are suited for your region or zone, so a stop there should help you pick the right plants.
Doing your homework ahead of time provides you with the knowledge so that your garden not only survives but thrives. Of course, buying seeds online doesn't allow for this "protection." If you end up with seeds that don't work in your region do not throw them away. Plan and plant an indoor garden and double your pleasure.
Be completely aware of how much sunlight each herb type requires when designing your herb garden. Sensitive plants will turn brown is subjected to too much sunlight. Plan your garden with landscape shrubs and buildings in mind to reduce direct sunlight for those tender plants.
Don't forget that your plant needs some sunlight. Avoid landscaping or structures that blocks in sun from reaching the garden. By all means, know your herb and use that knowledge to select the garden location with the best possible amount of sunlight.
Knowing your plants growing tendency is important. Some herbs, like mint or chives, spread and can quickly take over your garden, going places you don't want and never intended.
Also in the quick spreading category, perennials can also overcome a garden in time. A good friend of mine has a terrific solution for this. She plants her quick spreaders in clay or plastic pots then buries the container in the garden. No one notices this and she has the garden she loves.
Another important item to note is how many plants to put in a given amount of space. We all want as many different kinds of herbs in our garden; however, overcrowding your plants can lead to disaster.
While the amount of sunlight allowed to get through thick foliage can be a problem, the serious issue is the possibility of rust, rot, and mildew forming on your plants. Space your plants appropriately and allow the sun and air to help you maintain a healthy garden.
When combating fungus air movement is king. You don't want windy conditions but having air movement through your herbs is ideal. To accommodate this and for easy access plant the tallest herbs in the rear with shorter varieties near the front.
My region has relatively strong winds. If you face the same situation then plan your garden using existing landscaping or structures to block the wind. Should this not be possible, then plant shrubs or bushes around your garden to reduce the wind speed.
Sarah Phillips is an herb gardening enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this wonderful hobby.
You can be enjoying your own herbs in as little as 7 days.
Discover how quickly you can create beautiful herb garden designs. Grab you own copy of Sarah's FREE Herb Gardening Success Mini-Course by going here NOW!
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