Learn How To Plant A Basic Herb Garden
As mentioned previously, the best place to start is with the herbs you will use most frequently. A lot of nurseries also recommend complimentary herbs that grow very well alongside each other. It is worthwhile remembering that herbs vary in size, and therefore may grow best in small containers, through to large gardens.
When you are starting to learn about herb gardening, it is recommended that you begin with something small – perhaps with a few simple herbs in a small pot, growing in full sun.
Two of the most important things to remember when growing herbs are:
- Herbs require lots of sunlight
- Herbs prefer well-drained soil
Most herbs require full or partial sun and generally flourish in these conditions. Likewise most herbs will not grow well in wet soil, or if they are over-watered. Resist the temptation to water your herbs too frequently. Every 2-3 days is usually sufficient; some herbs even prefer up to 7 days between watering. It is also recommended that a good quality potting mix is used for planting herbs.
Learn About Growing Fresh Herbs For Cooking
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is primarily used as the main flavor ingredient in tomato dishes such as spaghetti sauces. Sweet basil is also great in salads. Depending on where you live, basil will either grow as an annual plant, or as a perennial plant – meaning basil will either grow once, and die, or return every year.
Sweet basil thrives in average soil and is equally happy in either full sun, or partial shade - this is something you will learn about herb gardening. Sweet basil generally starts best if it is grown inside for the first few weeks before being moved outside to its more permanent location. Sweet basil can also be grown from an off-cut in a glass of water in full sun until it grows roots. It can then be transferred to soil.
Once your basil is flourishing, you can encourage the plant’s bushiness by cutting the stems during summer. From every cut, several more shoots will grow. Again, this is a key point when you want to learn about herb gardening.
Garlic
Garlic promotes good health as it is full of great nutrients and minerals. Garlic is used in dishes ranging from steak to pasta to vegetables to seafood.
Growing garlic is basic. In spring, simply grab a bulb from the supermarket of fruit shop. Pull off one of the cloves and plant it, pointy side up, in some well drained soil, mixed with compost. Ensure you do this in a garden bed in full sun. Do not plant them too deep.
Once fall arrives, the garlic is ready to be taken from the soil and used for cooking.
Thank you for stopping by to learn about herb gardening.
