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An Herbal Gardening How To Guide |
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Have you ever had an interest to plant your first herb garden? Herbs have been around for ages and have been used in various purposes, such as treating sickness, craft projects and flavoring food. Here's a few tips on getting started.
by RachelRay
Have you ever had an interest to plant your first herb garden? Herbs have been around for ages and have been used in various purposes, such as treating sickness, craft projects and flavoring food. Here's a few tips on getting started.
Time to come up with a plan. Think about the various types of herbs you'd like to try and the purpose of those herbs, such as for specific recipes, etc. Would they be annuals, biennials or perennials? Make a wish list.
Time to research some specific information on those plants. How big will they be full grown? What are their sunshine and soil requirements? You can get a book at the library or gardening catalog of some type that will list those variables for you.
Make your garden plan on paper first. Separate the annuals from the perennials so when the time comes that you have to pull out the annuals, you won't be disturbing the perennials. Perennials can be planted on the edge of your garden so when it is time to till your garden they won't be in danger of getting dug up, or try to place them in an area of the garden all their own.
Another thing to remember is that you should plant the tall ones at the back and the shorter ones in front. Provide your plants with enough space to grow and also consider their sunlight requirements. Proper position shall help you in this area.
If you don't want to plant your herbs in your garden, or you don't have a garden, you can always try planting them in container pots. There are large pots with three or more outlets in them. When planting, fill the container to the first level, then plant your plant. Then continue to the second level and plant, and so on until your pot is finished. Generally you want to plant the herb that needs the most water at the bottom and the one that needs the less, at the top. Use a good quality potting soil and make sure you have proper drainage.
You can design your garden in a creative manner. Try using a wooden ladder or wagon wheel and lay on top of the garden. Then plant your plants in between the sections for a square or circular division and interesting look.
Different plants have various requirements, but many of them need alkaline soil. This is the reason why it's important to discover your plants needs before you begin the planting process. If you germinate your herbs from seeds on your own, remember to follow the directions on the packet for soil, watering and temperature and when it's safe to plant them in the spring.
Herbs are some of the simplest plants to grow. You need to provide them with effective drainage, sunlight, enough humidity or moisture and fertile soil. With these basic conditions they are bound to produce an awesome harvest.
You'll also want to explore what you'd like to do with the harvest, if you want to use them fresh, dry them or even freeze them. You'll most likely discover that you have some real favorites every year and which ones didn't work out like you had hoped. So next year your herb garden can be even better with more experience under your belt.
About the Author:
By Rachel Ray an avid gardener who loves being out there in the fresh air. Visit her site for resources dedicated to assisting home and work life be more comfortable . |
