Herbs at Home: How to Start an Herb Garden
Starting an herb garden is a great way to add fresh flavor to your meals and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening (and saving a few bucks in the long run!). Herbs are relatively easy to grow, even for beginners, and they can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Let us help guide you when starting your own indoor/outdoor herb collection with a few tips and pointers.
How to Start your Herb Garden Journey…
Choosing the right herbs is very important! Only pick herbs you will absolutely be using, so nothing goes to waste, and you won’t feel overwhelmed. Some herbs, such as basil, chives, and mint are well-suited for indoor growth. Others like rosemary and thyme, are more suited for outdoors. Keep this in mind when thinking of starting your herb garden, think about what’s right for you!
For an Indoor Garden
Containers: First off, we must select the right containers for our herbs. Make sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent overwatering issues You can use anything from small pots, leftover containers (poke drainage holes at the bottom), and even large planters. Don’t plant herbs in planters too big for their roots, this may lead to problems such as overwatering – and eventually, root rot.
Soil Mixture: Choose the right soil! Use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically formulated for herbs, and will provide the nutrients they need to thrive. Your mini herb garden will thank you!
Light: Provide plenty of light. Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can always supplement with grow lights.
Watering: Water regularly, but keep the soil moist, not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water when the first few inches of soil are fairly dry.
Fertilizing: You’ll need to fertilize your herbs occasionally. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for herb gardens, like the ones found at Moller’s Garden Center.
For an Outdoor Garden
Location: Select a spot in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Be sure it’s not an area that gets harsh sunlight though, as this will scorch your herb’s leaves.
Soil Preparations: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Your herb garden will greatly appreciate the nutrients!
Planting: When starting to plant your herbs, space your herbs according to their mature sizes. Never plant baby herbs too close to each other or this will cause overcrowding as they grow larger in the future.
Watering: Water your herb garden as often as needed, this will all depend on the climate and temperatures of your area. It’s important to remember most herbs love to stay moist, so water when you notice the soil becoming a bit dry.
Mulch: Place mulch around your herbs! Mulch helps to retain moisture and suppress pesky weeds.
Fertilizing: Same as indoors, you should be fertilizing your herbs occasionally depending on which herbs are in your garden. Always use a balanced fertilizer formulated for herbs specifically.
Start Your Herb Garden With Moller’s Garden Center
Starting an herb garden is a rewarding experience. Perfect for adding a little flavor to your meals or saving a little coin at the grocery store, herbs are a delicious way to spice up your palette. With a little care and love, you can enjoy fresh herbs all year round. As always, happy gardening from Moller’s Garden Center.
Find More for Your Garden at Moller’s Garden Center!