Growing Herbs

When I first started out gardening I wanted to begin small with something I could manage. I was not very knowledgeable or informed yet on all the ins and outs of gardening, nor did I have the space for a large garden. So, I started with herbs. Herbs are an easy place to start. They just need a little sunshine, soil with good drainage and some room to grow.

Herbs can turn ordinary meals into something special with a pinch of this
and a bit of that and meals can be transformed.  I have planted herbs for a few years and they bring an interest to gardens which otherwise would be a little boring. Herbs belong in the kitchen or the garden mixed in among other vegetables and flowers to bring a color and fragrance to the garden.

Herbs also have long been revered for their medicinal value. They may cure the common cold, help you sleep, and improve your overall health.

I am going to share some tips for starting an herb garden. These tips are perfect for those looking to dip their toes into gardening. Happy gardening!

Pick A Location

Herbs need sunshine. They will thrive in full sunshine if your temperatures stay below the mid-90s. But, if you are climate where your summers can get well into the 100s for many weeks, consider an area that may get mostly morning sun and is shaded in the afternoon. As long as you are getting at least 5 hours of sun, your herbs will receive the necessary sunshine.

Soil Preparation

Spend time loosening your soil. Good drainage in soil is very important. So, take some time using a large garden fork to loosen the soil that has become compacted over the years. Loose soil will help the roots of your herbs thrive.

Outdoor planting in the garden works well however, it is a good idea to do a soil test in the part of the garden you plan to use.  Soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants. If you plan to grow herbs in a container, do not use ordinary garden soil, which does not drain well when used in a container. A good quality potting soil is best.

Planting

When planting your herbs make sure to give them plenty of room to grow. Many herbs can be started from seed, but there are a few (including rosemary, oregano and mint) that will take better to propagation by cuttings or being transplanted. If you do not have the ground space and are using pots, make sure you are using fairly large pot. Your herbs will need 1-4 feet diameter. Here is a breakdown of different herb guidelines to follow:

• Oregano, Sage, Mint, Rosemary: 4 feet
• Basil, Savory, Thyme: 2 feet
• Dill, Parsley, Cilantro: 1-2 feet

It is also important to know which herbs are annuals and which are perennials. Here is a link you can use to know which herbs will return year-over-year. Click Here.

Water, Water, Water

Make sure you are watering your plants when they become dry. Check the spoil around your herbs regularly. If the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. It is also important not to over-water; this can lead to disease and poor growth. Once your herb garden is established you will need to do a little maintenance to keep it flourishing.  Herbs are considered to be one of the hardiest of all garden plants. They have few problems with insects and disease and actually many are natural pest repellants.  My experience has been just that. Once the herbs take off they are pretty self sufficient. Herb gardens often require less fertilizer than other food crops and they are more drought tolerant.

Check out these garden markers perfect for your herb garden!

Enjoy!

Once your herb garden is thriving, you can begin harvesting. Cut close to leaf to allow for your herbs’ to regrow quickly. Then, find some of your favorite recipes to enjoy your herbs with. Now, if you are overwhelmed with the abundance of herbs you have grown, remember you can always harvest and dry out your herbs to store and use at later time in your cooking. I have added my favorite pesto recipe that I utilize with my Basil. This makes a great spread for sandwiches or panini.

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There are several specific herbs that have thrived well in my hot, dry climate. So, I wanted to share some useful information about some individual herbs from my experience.

Sage Tips

Sage is an easy herb to grow. It is known to be drought tolerant and heat tolerant. It is known as an herb that flavors meat and beans, most notably at Thanksgiving! Sage is a hardy perennial and mine grows spikes of purple flowers. You should plant in full sun and soil temperature should be between 60-70 F.

Young plants should be watered regularly until they are fully grown. The heavier woody stems are to be pruned every spring.

Mint Tips

Mint is a perennial and needs a soil temperature of 70 F.  I have mine in a large container. Mint is very hardy and can easily take over spaces in a garden.  Mint needs full to partial sun and does well in most soil conditions. The best time to cut mint leaves is in the morning.  The oils tend to be the strongest and fragrant. I cut mint in the mornings, wash it, and put them in ice cube trays with water and freeze them.  I use the ice cubes in tea and other beverages.

Basil Tips

Basil can come in a variety of types. I have a type of Perennial Basil which is very fragrant. It is similar to Sweet Basil but with a stronger more spicy flavor. During the summer season basil seeds itself and the next planting season emerges all over my garden. They spread by dropping seeds and then as I till over the winter months they end up in many locations in the garden. They grow into hardy plants and are great for cooking especially in my homemade spaghetti sauce. Currently I have basil sprouting in the middle of my tomato plants. My spaghetti sauce is all in one location!

Parsley Tips

Parsley is a very versatile herb in the cooking world. It is full of vitamin C and is a good additive for juicing blends. My parsley plants are very hardy from year to year.  I grow flat leaf parsley which gets full to partial shade daily. As winter approaches, they drop seeds and end up growing into new plants the following year. When it gets windy, which is frequently in West Texas, I will find Parsley growing in my front yard! I often cook with fresh Parsley.  I do dry this herb for use during the winter months although it does not keep its flavor well.

Oregano Tips

Oregano is one of my favorite herbs.  Being Italian, I use this frequently in my recipes. Soil temperature should be around 70 F.  It requires partial shade, comes back each year and grows up to 2 feet tall and is a prolific grower.  This is a perennial herb and mine has white flowers and loves sun. The most flavor filled leaves are leaves found right before the flowers bloom.

Rosemary Tips

Rosemary is one of my best growing herbs. Soil temperature should be around 70 F and can grow about 4 feet tall. I had to transplant mine due to size. Fresh rosemary has many uses in the kitchen. I dry rosemary for use in winter recipes. You can spike meat, poultry, and game with rosemary alternatively chop it and use in stuffings and sauces for fish, lamb or chicken.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting herbs is a easy process.  You just snip off what you want to use and that is it!  The trick to harvesting is to know when to harvest. Harvesting depends on the type of herbs you are growing and what you are growing them for.

Harvesting Tips

If you are wanting the leaves (mint or basil) harvest before the plant flowers. Early morning is the best time of day to pick the leaves. Avoid washing the leaves. Washing will strip the leaves of their oils.

Harvest flowering herbs (lavender) before the flowers are fully open.

Herbs grown for the seeds (dill, fennel etc.) can be harvested when the seed pods change color.

Many herbs grow best (basil, mint, chives, oregano, parsley) with consistent pruning and harvesting.

Annual herbs (basil, dill, etc.) can be harvested up to the first frost however, perennial herbs (sage, mint, thyme, etc.) should not be harvested or pruned after September.

“There’s something about taking a plow and breaking new ground. It gives you energy. ” –Ken Kesey