Location is the first consideration. Start by picking a spot according to how much light it gets. Most herbs need at least six hours of full sun a day, but a few actually prefer shade, such as many mints and sweet woodruff. Next, how much moisture does your spot have? This can be adjusted by watering, but it must drain well. If the soil is hard and has clay, add peat moss. If it is muddy, add sand. The soil will also need nutrients. Compost is the best, but if this cannot be obtained, add aged manure. If container gardening is your decision, use a container gardening soil mixture. Soil straight from the garden will not provide adequate drainage for your creation.
Designs can range from a formal herb garden to a square plot to a single pot. Whatever your design ideas may be, putting your ideas on paper is a good first step. Visit the Ithaca Gardens Site to get some ideas on design. Herbs can also be combined with other vegetables and flowers to make interesting and beautiful displays. Another consideration is the expected height of each plant. Place them so that each one can be seen and appreciated.
The next step is choosing plants. Start with herbs you know and like, and then branch out from there. If you want a kitchen garden, look at your spice rack. Which herbs do you use the most? These are the ones to grow. Rosemary, bay, basil, thyme, chives, dill, oregano, sage and mints are included here. Do you want fragrant herbs? Try scented geraniums, lemon balm, lavender, mints and sweet woodruff. Some herbs for herbal crafts are artemesia, celosia, yarrow, lavender, salvia and sage. Or you could go a medicinal and herbal tea route with echinacea, feverfew, yarrow and chamomile. Want to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects? Try bee balm, dill, anise hyssop, mints, rosemary and sage. Visit Herbal Hall for ideas on plants to choose.
Just think of the rewards you'll reap when you can bring in a basket of freshly snipped chives to add to your baked potatoes, and basil to add to your spaghetti sauce!
Next time: buying plants, seeds; planting guidelines.
Go To Page: 1
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Laurel Morris's Herb Gardening topic, please visit the Discussions page.