Tis the season to become a gardener! Who else is working on their green thumb this summer? We can’t get enough of the smell of fresh herbs. Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary…we love it all! We enjoy growing herbs because they’re low maintenance, and you don’t have to have a big yard in order to grow them. Whether you have room for a dozen plant beds or only enough room for a few planters on the porch, you can grow a beautiful and thriving herb garden! Store-bought herbs can also be pretty pricey for the small amount you’re getting, so growing them yourself is a lot more cost effective.
Today we’re going over the basics of herb gardening. We’ve learned a thing or two after a few failed ones ourselves, so check out our tips and tricks we’ve gathered along the way, and grow some herbs with us!
- Get a good potting soil with fertilizer (whether you’re shopping at Home Depot or a special plant nursery, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction for what you’ll need).
- Most herbs need full sun and warmth to grow and thrive. However, if you live somewhere with very hot summers (like us in Texas!), it’s better to plant them in a spot that gets full sun for just part of the day (i.e. morning sun and afternoon shade).
- It’s fine to plant different herbs near each other, but some herbs need a little more distance than others. Rosemary, sage, mint, and oregano need about 3-4 feet of space in order to grow properly. If you’re doing a planter garden, it’s best to separate these herbs in different planters. Basil, thyme, and tarragon need about two feet. Parsley, dill, and cilantro only need about one foot, so you could put a couple of these in the same planter if it’s large enough.
- Don’t overwater. Wait till the soil is dry to the touch in between waterings. A good rule of them is to stick your pinky finger into the soil to feel if it’s still damp.
- When harvesting your herbs, it’s better to cut straight with garden shears rather than tearing them off with your hands. Try to cut close to a leaf intersection to promote regrowth.
See? Not terribly complicated. By following these simple steps, you can plant an herb garden on any scale! Use them for cooking, crafting the perfect cocktail, and much more!