Secrets to Getting Started in a Herb Garden
Visualize beginning dinner. Smell the aroma of the garlic and the onions as they sizzle in the frying pan. The tomatoes are cut up and set to go. Your spaghetti sauce will be the perfect Italian blend with just one additional ingredient. So quickly stepping outside you pick a helping of fresh thyme from your personal herb garden and now your masterpiece will be complete. Ah, what a beautiful dream. But is it only a dream or can it be reality?
Fear stops many people from starting a herb garden because they feel it would be too troublesome for a beginner. But the truth is, growing your own herb garden is much easier than you might imagine, especially, if you start your garden with seedlings. This will save a lot of time and a lot of headaches that come with trying to start your garden with seeds. So just take a trip over to your local plant source like a nursery, Home Depot, or Lowes. Most carry a good selection and variety of herb plants that are ready to go in your new garden.
And you can plant your herb garden in just about anyplace you have the space, indoors or outdoors. Look around and see if you have an area that you could use like near the front walk or maybe a landscaping bed or two. Or if no space is available outside you can easily grow herbs in pots or containers on a porch, patio, or balcony, as long as it is a well lit area. You can get started today in a very short amount of time.
But before you plant, be sure to have some good nutritious soil for your herbs. Mix in some fertilizer or manure and then you’re ready to start putting in your herb plants.
You do need to spend a little time planning your herb garden in advance though. (Don’t worry, it won’t take long) Just review the basic information provided with each of your herbs and notice how tall and wide they are expected to grow. As well as any other details provided and this will help you make sure your garden gets the best start and finish possible.
Leaving adequate space between each herb will allow it the room it needs to grow to its expected size. This type of herb garden saves you from having to dig stuff up later but you may have to tolerate your garden looking thin at times for the first year or so. During this time you can add other short-term plants that flower such as pansies or marigolds to help make your garden look fuller.
Another key to the success of your garden is to plant the taller herbs toward the back of your garden spot, especially if growing next to a fence or your home. If your gardening bed is a circular shape then you’ll need to plant the taller herbs in the center. Then work your way to the outside edge with the shorter plants. Being able to easily reach and pick your herbs is important if you want to use them for culinary purposes.
Warning: Once you start gardening, it is hard to stop. You will be alert and watching to learn other gardening skills throughout your day. When you find something of interest you’ll be anxious to return home and try it out on your own personal herb garden. You will find enjoyment and relaxation as you nurture your gardens growth. And then one day you step outside to get some fresh thyme and without realizing it, your dream has become reality.
