Herb gardening has become increasingly popular as people are prioritizing nutritious and fresh meals that are full of flavor. Thankfully, herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. You can grow them outdoors—in raised beds—or inside in pots. Most herbs require very little maintenance, meaning they are a great starter plant for beginner gardeners.
Whether you’re wanting to boost your creativity, lead a healthier lifestyle, or explore your green thumb, creating an at-home herb garden is a great way to save some money while also growing some delicious herbs.
Planting Tips For Your Herb Garden
While starting an herb garden is relatively easy, it is important to be aware of the best practices for keeping your plants healthy. If you rush into the gardening process without a clear plan, you might miss some of the crucial steps for cultivating an environment where your herbs can thrive.
First, find a sunny spot for your garden. Herbs that have more access to sunshine actually have better and stronger flavors. Plus, they need sunlight in order to grow. So, be sure to plant your herbs in an area that gets plenty of light throughout the day.
Make sure you are watering regularly and with care. All plants, but herbs in particular, need consistent watering. But be careful—too much water given too fast will stunt your herbs from growing properly. The seed packets you purchase should have water and sunlight requirements written on the back. Check the back of your seed packets before planting in order to make sure you know how much watering each type of herb requires.
Space out your plants. If you are planting directly into soil, you should plant your herbs approximately one foot apart from each other. For larger herb plants, such as rosemary, oregano, and sage, plant 3-4 feet apart. If you have planted your herbs in pots, make sure your containers are well spaced. If your containers are too close together, your herbs will not get enough airflow, which will stunt their growth.
Picking The Right Plants For Your Garden
If you are a beginner gardener, some herbs will be easier to plant than others. These five herbs are just a few of the many options you can choose from to start your herb garden.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a very fragrant and popular herb for many herb gardens. You can put rosemary in plenty of recipes, such as soups, casseroles, salads, and stews. Additionally, Rosemary has some health benefits. For example, including rosemary in your diet can help fight allergies and nasal congestion. Plant this herb in full sun and in well-drained soil for maximum results.
Dill
Dill is a great addition to rice, soup, and salad dishes. Dill plants do not appreciate root-disturbance, so you should plant it securely in the ground or in a stable container. Like rosemary, dill should be planted in full sun and in well-drained soil.
Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family. People love adding herbs to their garden because they offer a milder onion flavor that can be included in plenty of dishes. Chives grow best in a sunny area with rich, moist soil and should be planted around March or April.
Basil
Basil might be considered the most popular herb for beginner gardeners. It is a very tasty herb and can be included in plenty of different recipes.
Mint
Many sources recommend buying young mint plants from a garden center rather than planting from seed. Mint is a plant that spreads easily, so it should be planted in pots in order to contain the roots. You can plant mint in full sun or in partial shade. It is a very aromatic herb and a great inclusion to fun summer recipes.
Ask Your Local Agent
If you have any questions about the value adding an outdoor garden space gives to your home, don’t hesitate to contact experienced agent, Kim Clark. With over 15 years of experience, she knows exactly how to assist you in making your home appeal to the widest audience possible. Set yourself up for success—contact Kim today.