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How To Grow Herbs
By Polly Hamilton
How to grow herbs:
Herbs are a very handy thing to grow yourself. In the long run you will save a lot of money, and some herbs just taste much better fresh! Each herb has its own particularities when it comes to planting and tending, but this article offers a brief and general guide to growing herbs both indoors at outdoors for your own use.
How to grow herbs: outdoors
Herbs mostly need lots of sun, so you want to grow them in the north (or the south if you live in the northern hemisphere). Consider how many varieties you wish to grow, and then peg out a garden area. Each variety needs a plot around 30 cm by 45 cm (12 by 18 inches). Some herbs are good for borders, such as purple basil and parsley. Keep annuals and perennials separate (you may wish to plant perennials in a completely separate section of your garden). If you write up a diagram straight after planting it will help you in two ways: you have a record to refer to when it comes to working out rotational planting (always a good idea) and you will never be confused about which plant is what. It's better, I think, than leaving markers in the sections which will get weather beaten, and ultimately unattractive. You also need to choose a place that has plenty of drainage; herbs do not grow in wet soil conditions. And don't worry if your soil is not particularly fertile, if it's a bit less fertile it will produce a more flavorsome herb.
How to grow herbs outdoors: planting
Some herbs like mint needs to be contained because they will grow to much and suffocate other herbs. Grow them in buckets with holes in the bottom (for drainage) and this will keep them under control. You can plant your bucket in the ground if you don't want an ugly bucket lying around. In preparation for planting, sow seeds indoors in late winter. They will be just that little bit stronger when you shift them outdoors in spring. When you do move your plant outside, don't cover the seedling or press the surrounding soil too firmly. Be delicate with it. Don't let your herb garden get too crowded. Kill off the weaker seedlings after about a week. This is really a judgment call: as long as they look happy and healthy there should be enough room.
How to grow herbs: indoors
If you grow herbs indoors, you have the added bonus of longer summers and springs! The soil and sunlight requirements are just the same as for outdoors. To ensure good drainage it is best to add a bit of gravel to the bottom of containers (just like with cacti). Never drench herbs, especially when they are indoors. Annual herbs can stay inside permanently, but it's best to perennials out in a protected spot on the porch during summer. Re-pot your indoor herbs yearly to re-new the soil, and also up-size if they have grown a lot.
How to grow herbs indoors: planting
Follow planting instructions as per outdoors. Just bear in mind different moisture needs of different varieties. It is best to have each herb growing in a different pot. If they have to grow in the same container, you can place dividers in between varieties of herbs which help keep moisture levels separate.
It is easy to learn how to grow herbs; you just need a bit of patience and a bit of know-how!
See Also:
Gardening Tips
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