How to Quickly and Easily Begin Growing Garden Herbs
Posted: Thursday, January 28, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
Gardeners have many different motivations for growing garden herbs. The chef in all of us loves to have fresh culinary herbs ready to go. Since many herbs are quite fragrant these can be placed around the house creating a sense of aromatherapy.
As the Bible says, "what you sow, so shall you reap." The same is true in your herb garden and it is also important what you put into your plants. Give these tender plants the care needed and they will deliver to you joy many times over.
Some garden plants and shrubs need a lot of room for their root system. By contrast, herbs are small with shallow roots and do not require as much room. Do prepare the well-drained soil by placing a layer of gravel at the bottom of your bed. Water will quickly find its way there away from the plants.
For best results create your own soil mixture. Ideally, the soil is nutrient poor, is well-drained but yet retains enough moisture to stay damp.
This is actually quite simple to do; using the dirt you have removed, mix equal parts dirt, potting soil and clean sand. Herbs prefer a slightly alkaline soil so add one tablespoon, per square foot of garden area, of agricultural lime to the soil mixture. Once mixed, fill in the bed area with the soil mixture leaving about two inches for planting.
While some herbs, like parsley, require germination before planting most can be planted from seed. Sprinkle your seed across the top of the soil mixture and cover lightly (do not compact the soil) and then water. After watering the soil should be damp to the touch but not wet. Make this test each time before watering to ensure the best amount.
Prior planning should have identified the areas of the garden that receive direct, full sun and where surrounding buildings or trees provide shade and indirect sunlight. However, now that your garden is planted make this check again. Many herbs need a semi-shaded area while others require direct sunlight. In either case, "Know thy herb."
Sunscreens are available (no, not Coppertone!) from most home improvement stores and local garden centers, should your plants need additional shade.
Proper planning and preparation is time well spent when you watch your herb garden thrive. This should give you a well deserved sense of satisfaction.
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 more secrets of growing garden herbs . Grab you own copy of Sarah's FREE Herb Gardening Success Mini-Course by going here NOW!
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