Herb Gardens are purposeful and beautiful. They are easy to plant and will provide you with fresh herbs all summer and throughout the fall in most areas. Plant a few herbs in a wide, shallow container and keep it indoors for easy care, or plant several herbs in a larger, outdoor planter that is placed on a patio or deck. You will love the fragrance and the taste of using fresh cut herbs in your cooking and baking.
Each year I plant an herb garden and each year it is a bit different based on the plants I select and the container I put them in. This year I included dill, chives, basil, kale and 2 types of parsley. I know, kale is not an herb. It was available at the garden center and I thought it would make a nice addition. That’s the great thing about a larger planter box, you can include whatever you like to fill the available space.
I have experimented with many different types of containers and herb boxes for my annual herb garden. Here are some suggestions on what has worked the best.
How to plant an herb garden?
- Costco is the winner when it comes to herb and garden planters that are spacious and durable. The Self-Watering Elevated Garden Planter is one of the best. I begin planting mine in late March, just as spring arrives each year. Then, I move it outdoors to the patio when the threat of frost has passed. It has a water reservoir that is filled once a week and keeps plants moist and happy. A planter box like this one will easily hold 8 herbs or plants of your choice and can be moved around easily. Planters measure 23″x49″x30″ and come in two different colors. Annuals can also be put in these planters for a beautiful summer display of flowers. They range in price from $149 to $199 each. These make a great gift for Mother’s Day!
- The Scott’s Miracle Gro Company also makes a wide selection of hydroponic herb gardens. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite has a growing deck for 6 plants, large water reservoir, and automatic reminders for adding water and plant food. AeroGardens range in price from $69 to $139 and are available in stores or online. Hydroponic gardens require 90% less water than those planted in soil. Most can sit on the kitchen counter and grow plants 5 times faster than soil, with plants sprouting within 21 days.
The type of container will clearly depend on the amount of space and time you have to invest. For indoor gardens, you will want to make sure to place it by a window to get as much sunlight as possible. For outdoor gardens, remember to bring them inside to protect them from the colder weather as it approaches.
Tips on growing a healthy herb garden:
- The biggest problem most people encounter is over-feeding their herbs. Hydroponic planters will give you a blinking light, signaling when it is time to add water and fertilizer. It should be done every two weeks, or twice per month. For soil herb gardens, make sure the soil you purchase is for use in a container garden. It will come with time release fertilizer mixed into the soil and you won’t have to worry about adding any plant food.
- The same is true for over-watering. Many outdoor planters get sufficient water from rainfall, making them easy to care for. Otherwise, planters are available that have a water reservoir that can be filled once per week. Most herbs require watering once per week. Avoid letting them sit in wet soil for more than a day or two, herbs grow best in dryer soil.
- When making an outdoor herb garden, raised planters are best. This discourages wildlife and birds from disturbing the plants. I’ve had very good luck with large freestanding herb gardens and they typically produce healthy, productive plants.
- Trimming herbs regularly is a must. It is important for the plant to regenerate itself. Cut herbs like basil and dill, which are fast growing, will help them continue to produce new stems. Do not cut all the way to the base of the plant. Cut stems 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down the stem and never cut more than 1/3 of the overall plant at one time. You may shock the plant if you are too aggressive with trimming. Place fresh herbs in a plastic bag and seal. Keep them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Drying herbs is a great way to preserve them for use during winter months. Soups, stews and breads are just some of the recipes in which I use dried herbs. Use this simple method for Dried Herbs. It is a great way to extend the life of herbs you grow in the garden and will save you money.
How to use fresh herbs in cooking and baking?
Whether it is basil, dill, chives or parsley, these recipes will give you some great, simple ideas on how to use those fresh herbs growing in your garden!
Growing your own herbs can be rewarding and a way to save money. Fresh herbs enhance the taste and appearance of your food and they add vitamins and nutrients to your diet.