Herb Gardening

Lesson 1: Lesson One - Pot Herbs Vs. Garden Herbs

Which herbs need a lot of space.

WHICH HERBS NEED LOTS OF SPACE?

It is safe to say that all herbs will grow as profuse and range as far as they are allowed. There are some you definitely wish to confine, or they will take over the entire garden, and there are some that by their nature need a lot of growing space even if they are not invasive.

For instance, if you are planning to grow a medicinal garden, you will want to include such plants as mullien, feverfew, valerian, aconite, American hellebore, elecampane and gentian. The mullien, gentian, and elecampane can all grow to six feet tall. The American hellebore can reach seven feet. Some of the others grow to heights ranging from three to five feet. It is obvious that these plants would never do well in a container situation.

Again, carefully research the herbs you are planning to grow and design your garden plan with space foremost in your mind. Of course, no one said you couldn’t have both a container garden, an in-ground garden, plus a raised bed plot. That’s part of the magic of herbs. They are adaptable to many given situations.

In Lesson Two, we will talk more about designing your herb garden. You will have to think about what kind of gardener you are to be able to do this effectively.

Are you a free spirit? Do you like uniformity? Do you want to plan a theme garden? An old-fashioned garden?

Be thinking about all these ideas as you delve into herbal lore and uses. Let the imagination reign but keep in mind, watering, maintenance and, as the old-timers say, the ‘elbow grease factor.’ You don’t want to be so ambitious that you are overwhelmed.

I hope you will avail yourself of some of the recommended resource books. They will greatly aid your decision of what herbs to grow and the planning of your herb garden.

Herb gardening can become a lifetime hobby, or even a business, and you will want to approach it with a professional and well informed outlook. The more you know about each plant the better prepared you are to accept the sheer pleasure of its purpose, or purposes.

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