Growing Herbs
Requirement For Growing Herbs
Sometimes it is more of what not to do than what to do that spells success in the growing of herbs. One important aspect of growing herbs is that they do not like wet feet. A good quality soil that drains well is essential. A soil that retains water for long periods of time is certainly going to be detrimental to your prospects of growing good plants. Fertilizer is another item that can cause problems with growing herbs. Most herbs require little if any fertilizer and will respond poorly if fertilized. With herbs most times less is more. An important consideration is if they herb needs full sun or partial shade. Full sun means that the most suitable location will receive between 6 and 10 hours of direct sun each day. For plants that require partial shade morning sun is best and the shade should come in the afternoon during the heat of the day.
Keeping weeds at bay is also important make sure you weed the area on a regular bases this is important because they competition to the herbs will reflect in smaller yields. While the weeds are small regular cultivation will keep them from growing large and unmanageable.
Succession Planting For Large Yields
Many herbs such as Parsley, Basil, and Cilantro should be planted throughout the season so that you will always have a fresh supply on hand all season long. As a rule of thumb you should try planting every three weeks so the new plants will be ready as the older plants are staring to go to seed. The older plants can be dried and stored for latter use during the cold months.
Dill is a perfect example of an herb that you would want to plant as a companion to some other vegetables like cucumber pickles. Dill should be started a couple of weeks after the cucumbers have germinated and are growing so that the dill will be ready in time for pickling. So a little planing come in handy and makes growing herbs successful for those who like to cook.
The Best Location For Planting Herbs
While many people grow herbs in a herb garden the use of a formal area to plant herbs is by far not limited to a special garden area. Herbs can be grown any wheres the proper conditions will allow. Many herbs can be planted as part of the home landscape some examples would be bee balm (Monarda), Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea purpurea ),and Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) to name just a few can be inter dispersed in the landscape and provide beauty as well as their herbal qualities.
A small kitchen garden by the back door is a great place for a culinary herb garden. A large pot or container can grow several different herbs and are close at hand when needed while preparing meals. The more convenient they are the more likely the herbs will be used on a regular bases.
A flagstone walkway can be planted with chamomile, oregano, and thyme these low growing herbs will spread and fill in the spaces between the flagstone. While attractive these herbs will also give off a wonderful scent as they are crushed when stepped upon. When needed it is a simple matter of trimming off some sprigs for use in the evenings dinner.
Herbs can be a wonderful addition to any garden and will not only enhance your landscape but provide you with the freshes herbs possible fresh picked right from your garden.
