Here are some tips for growing your own herb garden.
Just do it. It is much cheaper than buying fresh herbs from your grocer. You will experiment with
herbs in ways you never would have before. Quite simply. You will eat better.
Growing your herb garden close to your cooking area can prove very convenient.
Conversely, your gardens needs lots of sun and good drainage. Only a few herbs like partial shade.
So plant where they will grow.
Snipping. Snip plants, don't tear.
Don’t over water. Every couple of days should do. A good gauge is to water if the top couple of
centimeters of soil is dry.
Fertilize carefully. If the plants produce too much foliage the flavor of your herbs will be
weakened.
Use some transplants but also try some seeds. Most grassy herbs grow easily and quickly from
seeds. If you want to transplant use pots that can be put directly in the ground.
Once the plants are taller and established, throw some mulch down. It holds moisture in and keeps
weeds down. Leave a bare spot around stems to avoid a slug problems.
Flowers. Once an herb flowers it’s trying to finish its life cycle. Snip all flowers.
Harvest. Harvesting promotes growth. It keeps plants in their growing cycle instead of letting them
mature and finish their life.
To use fresh herbs instead of dried, you will need to use a lot more than what is called for.
They are not as concentrated.
Don’t start with cilantro. It's tougher than other things to grow. Start with the easier
stuff.
Plant mint alone. Let it have its own pot. Given the opportunity it will take over your whole
garden.
Perennials. Perennials are plants that come back for two or more years. Usually more, a lot
more. Some of your perennials you will have to replant. After a few years they get too
woody.
Annuals. You have to go with basil for sure. Plant it with your tomatoes. You want it nice
and warm outside.