Keith and I love fresh herbs. I have talked about starting an herb garden for many years, but I never seemed to have time. And, I tend to have a black thumb, not brown or green, but BLACK. Now that I have some time to commit, I decided to try my hand at an herb garden, and grow some of our favorites we regularly use. Something small that I could manage, and that fit well and could easily transport for our new on the go lifestyle.
I personally started with six basics, and was successful with five. Sorry, but my rosemary just didn’t make it. I’ll try again another time. I did not start from seed this time, as I heard it was a little harder. I wanted to try my hand with those that had already sprouted. So baby herbs I got!
So here are a few things I have learned along the way. Growing your own herbs is not only rewarding, but also cost-effective. Let’s dive into the basics of herb gardening for us first timers.
Choosing the Right Herbs
- Consider your culinary preferences: Do you love Italian cuisine? Then basil, oregano, and rosemary might be your go-to herbs.
- Think about your growing conditions: Some herbs thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade.
- Start small: Begin with a few herbs you use frequently to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Where to Grow Your Herbs
- Indoor gardening: Perfect for those with limited outdoor space. Choose herbs that tolerate low light conditions like basil, parsley, and chives.
- Outdoor gardening: Enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunlight by planting your herbs in pots or directly in the ground.
- Container gardening: Versatile and ideal for balconies or small spaces. Ensure your containers have proper drainage.
Planting and Care
- Soil: Use well-draining potting mix for container gardening. Outdoor herbs prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: Most herbs require at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, some, like mint, can tolerate shade.
- Watering: Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Check the soil moisture before watering.
- Fertilizing: Herbs generally don’t require heavy fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be used sparingly.
- Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess.
Harvesting and Storing
- Timing: Harvest herbs in the morning when essential oils are concentrated.
- Methods: Cut or snip herbs with clean shears.
- Storage: Store fresh herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel. For longer storage, dry or freeze them.
- Dehydrating Herbs: Harvesting herbs is a great way to keep the fresh flavors around. See our next post on dehydrating your harvest.
Remember, growing herbs is a rewarding experience. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. When I first started I struggled with how much water and when to prune. As I spent a little more time, and done some more research, I have seen more growth with my herbs. With a little patience and care, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor in no time.
Do you have a favorite herb to grow? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
