How to start a herb garden for beginners

One of my favorite ways to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors is gardening. The chirping of birds, the buzzing of bees, digging around in the dirt, brought me so much happiness. This is one of my favorite hobbies because it is calm and peaceful. You will also get rewards for your hard work and dedication. One of the best ways for beginners to get started is the herb garden. They are the best plants for novice gardeners because they are easy to grow and most require very low maintenance.

There are many benefits to growing herbs yourself. They are delicious in homemade meals and can save you money in the grocery store. The advantage of growing herbs yourself is that you don’t need much space. They are easy to grow in pots and even on your countertop. The fresh herbs are also fragrant and refreshing, and can also help repel pests.

If you have always wanted to open a herb garden, today’s post is for you. I am sharing all the tips and tricks for growing herbs at home!

How to start a herb garden for beginners

Find the best space to grow herbs.

Unlike vegetable gardens, medicinal plants do not require large tracts of land or raised beds to grow. All you need is a balcony, deck or small place in the garden. The location you choose must have at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. Some sun rays scattered here and there will not do the work. Most herbs thrive at a mild temperature of 65-70 degrees. Higher temperatures are okay, but providing shade in extreme heat is helpful.

Choose the right herb to grow.

This will be a personal choice, but here are some tips when choosing herbs for your garden. There are perennial herbs (sage, thyme, lavender, chives or mint) and annual herbs (basil and coriander). Perennial herbs do not need to be replanted, but annual herbs must usually be replanted every spring. Some annual plants, such as dill or fennel, are self-seeded and come back year after year. Be sure to check which type of herb you are growing so that you can organize your herb garden appropriately.

Choose a container for your herbs.

Planting herbs in pots allows you to keep them indoors or move around in winter to maximize the use of sunlight. They can also be excellently decorated indoors and outdoors. I like to buy flower pots in second-hand stores and give them new life with paint. I also found a lot of great flower pots in places like Job Lot.

Prepare well-drained soil for your herb garden.

The ideal soil for growing herbs is well-drained, not too sandy or too compact. The water should be drained at a regular rate. Don’t let it stand for too long or drain it too quickly. I usually buy a good organic potting soil mix to grow herbs. If you have compost, this is also a great opportunity to use it.

Herbs don’t need fertilizer to grow, but if you want to invest some, a little bit will go a long way.I am a big fan Organic Neptune’s Harvest I use it on all my garden vegetables and herbs. A little herbal medicine goes a long way, and you don’t want to over-fertilize.

Don’t forget that herbs like water and sunlight.

Herbs are easy to grow, but they are also Can’t be ignored completelyMost herbaceous plants require well-drained soil, regular watering and plenty of sunlight. The best time to water for planting herbs is the cooler time in the morning, that is, between 6 am and 10 am. This helps avoid evaporation and allows plants to absorb water. Herbs need at least 4 hours of full sunlight a day, but in extreme heat, they also need plenty of shade.

Know when to harvest.

The ideal time to harvest herbs is before they begin to bloom. This will enable you to get the most flavor from them. However, please make sure not to remove more than one-third of the herbaceous plants. They may not grow back as expected. Here is another professional tip: Cut the herbs close to the intersection of the leaves to ensure they regenerate quickly.

The best herbs for beginners to grow

Basil:

Basil is a fast-growing herb and is an excellent choice for novice gardeners. It is one of my favorite plantings, and it is very delicious on pizzas, salads and other foods. On average, basil plants plant about half a cup of leaves a week. Basil needs well-drained, fertile soil and sunlight. In summer, strong sunlight will make basil grow quickly, so shade is helpful because you want to prevent flowering. Regular harvesting and pruning will help prevent basil from setting seeds.

Thyme:

Thyme has strong antibacterial properties and is believed to have insecticidal and antifungal properties. It is a hardy, low-maintenance and fast-growing perennial plant that can survive in winter temperatures below freezing. You can grow it in any season and expect excellent results. It is also a delicious herb that can be used to make marinades and broths.

Oregano:

As we all know, this herb is a powerful antioxidant and has rich antibacterial properties. Oregano thrives in dry and warm climates, so you must be careful in winter. The good news is that it does not need as much water as many other herbs, so if you forget to water it, it will survive. It is also a universal companion herb, so you can let it grow together with other herbs at will.

parsley:

I like to add fresh parsley to salads, pasta, pizza, etc. It adds vitality to any meal and is a great decoration for many dishes. It is biennial, which means that it is sown from spring and summer seeds year after year. You will find it is easy to grow and very flexible, making it a perfect combination for your first herb garden.

mint:

Peppermint is the easiest plant of all herbs. This herb is used in cooking and many cosmetics or skin care products. However, there are several different types of mint, so please check which one you bought for your herb garden. Mint grows horizontally, so it is best to plant it in a container to prevent it from occupying your garden.

Rosemary:

Rosemary is an aromatic herb, its fragrance is very obvious. This is why it is widely used in air fresheners and essential oils. It is also known for its soothing benefits. Rosemary thrives in smaller pots and full sunlight, so keep this in mind when taking care of it.

Wise man:

If you live in a cool climate, this may be the perfect beginner herb for you. Sage is known for its resistance to frost and the study of flavor. Its hairy leaves also help repel pests throughout the herb garden, making the process easier for novices. You can use it for cooking, candle making or meditation and health rituals.

Leek:

Did you know that these garlic-flavored herbs will also give you the most beautiful flowers? The chives bloom with beautiful pink and purple pompom flowers. They are the perfect decoration for decorating dishes. However, its seeds are known for invading neighboring herbs, so putting chives in separate pots is helpful. You can harvest this herbaceous plant about three to four times a year.

Dill:

This is another herb that I like most to grow. Dill is an excellent companion plant for cucumbers, cabbage and onions (very suitable for pickling!). I like to use it in dressings, soups and salads. It is delicious when fresh. Dill should be grown in full sun.

What is your favorite herb?

I hope these tips will help you and give you motivation to start growing your own herbs. Gardening is a great way to relieve stress and get in touch with nature. The hard work of going outside and enjoying fresh ingredients is really meaningful. If you are growing any plants this summer, and what herbs you like best, please let me know in the comments.