The Home Herb Garden

Archive for July 29th, 2011

Herb gardening is ideal for people who love fresh herbs but have a limited space for a garden since they will grow virtually anywhere. You don’t need to be a green thumb to grow herbs since they are amongst the easiest plants to grow. First get an idea on what herbs you’d like to grow, then do a little research (usually seed packages contain viable information) to determine whether they are adaptable to your climate and how much room they need to grow. Some herbs, like mint, are invasive spreaders and can take over a garden if not carefully placed and maintained. Most herbs will require a significant amount of sunlight, between 6-8 hours a day, and should be grown in an area that will provide it – normally on the south or west side in the northern hemisphere. Water regularly but be careful not to over water, which in some cases can cause root rot, meaning death to the plant.

Most herbs can be grown in containers, which is ideal for many people who have very limited space, have pets, or live in an area of intense climate changes. Some herbs like rosemary and thyme can be grown in containers, but are hardy enough to endure most climates and pest if planted in the ground. One of the best aspects of small container gardening is that they are mobile and can be moved in the event of inclement weather, even indoors during the winter months. You might also want to learn about drying and/or freezing some of your herbs for the winter.

Another method of herb gardening is hydroponics which in essence is a method of growing plants without soil and has grown more and more popular each year. You can build your own hydroponic unit or there are many on the market today designed for indoor counter tops.

As you grow your own herbs you’ll discover that not only do they add wonderful flavors to food but some even possess medicinal properties that have been used for centuries to combat indigestion, fatigue, and a wide variety of other ailments. Some, like basil, are known to repel insects like mosquitoes, which makes planting basil near or on a patio a great idea.

Planning a herb garden is pretty easy and a lot of fun. You may already have an idea on what you’d like to plant, but if not here’s six I’d recommend for starters that will go with just about any kitchen, basil, oregano, dill, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. It’s always fun to add another one or two herbs every year to your garden and soon you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors.

Many herbs like basil are annual, meaning they will die and need to be replanted every year – although some will grow back themselves from their own seeds. Others are perennial like rosemary, meaning they live at least two years. It’s always a good idea to have a mix of both.

Whether you decide to grow your herbs indoors, outdoors, in the ground, or in containers, you’ll find herb gardening satisfying and rewarding.

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Mint is quite the versatile herb. It comes in dozens of varieties, from the well known peppermint and spearmint to the exotic flowering alpine mint bush to the unusual chocolate mint. You can use it in cooking, for jellies, seasoning or teas. You can use it for skin care and treatment of indigestion. Fresh mint rubbed between the fingers smells heavenly!

Mint has long been a favorite herb, rich in folklore and history. A cookbook from the first century lists mint in many recipes. The Greeks believed mint was an aphrodisiac and would not permit their soldiers to eat it in any form. In the 17th century, scholars were advised to wear a crown of mint to aid them in concentrating on their studies.

Mint is an easy plant to grow. It enjoys partial shade and moist ground, but will thrive almost anywhere. In fact, mint grows so well it will soon take over a garden or small yard, choking out all other plants. So it is best to plan carefully when deciding to cultivate a mint garden. Use a container when planting mint to keep it from spreading. A large coffee can or milk carton with the bottom cut out will work just fine. Mint will also thrive in terra cotta pots or any type of container garden.

The best mint gardens are small and include only a few species of mint. It’s possible for mint to cross-pollinate, so choose similar types when planting close together. You can plant several small mint gardens, of different varieties, in choice locations throughout the yard. Mint will grow well under trees where many ornamental plants don’t thrive.

Mint can be low growing or it can grow up to two feet in height, depending on the type. The small flowers are white. If you want to encourage your mint to grow thick and bushy, pinch the flowers off when they appear. You can harvest mint at any time, but don’t strip the plants of leaves. Use scissors or your finger tips to nip the leaves next to the stem. Harvest from the top of the stalk first to encourage new shoots to grow.

If you have a paving stone walkway that is inlaid in soil, you can plant Spanish mint between the stones. This type of mint is low growing and will spread between the stepping stones. Not only does it look pretty but when you walk on the mint and crush the leaves, it smells wonderful and will soothe your senses.

There are many ways to utilize mint plants. A mint garden is a no fuss, easy way to fill the empty spots in your yard. Their stimulating, sweet fragrance will lift your mood and bring enjoyment for many years.

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