Beginner Tips for Starting an Herbal Garden
Starting a herbal garden does not have to be difficult. Whether you have a black thumb or you have done some gardening, these beginner tips are going to be helpful. You will learn how to find the right spot, water instructions, harvesting, and some basics of what to do with your herbs. There are some great benefits to growing your own herbs. My favorite is that it is very grounding to work with your hands in the dirt.
Space the Herbs Out Properly
If you are planning on growing herbs outside in your own garden, make sure you have chosen an area with plenty of direct sunlight and soil that is in good condition and has good drainage. Once you have done that, you will need to start planting the herbs. If you are starting from seeds, they must be planted with enough space between them.
For dill, parsley, cilantro, and chives, aim for about a foot between each plant. Basil, tarragon, and thyme need approximately 2 feet, while you want 3-4 feet with mint, oregano, sage, and rosemary.
Choose Herbs That Are Good For Beginners
You might want herbs like mint and marjoram, but these aren’t the best when you are brand new to growing herbs. However, there is a long list of herbs to use for cooking and health purposes that are really easy to grow, many of which you can even grow in containers or in the shade. Some herbs that are good for cooking and easy for beginners are basil, dill, sage, tarragon, and oregano. Other herbs to consider are rosemary, lavender, thyme, chives, and parsley.
Choose Plants You Use Often
Another good tip for starting an herbal garden is to start with just a few herbs. Herbs that you use the most often. You might end up being surprised by how large herb plants sometimes grow. Not only that they remain in your garden for a long time. So if you want to decrease the amount of wasted work you do. Try to go with herbs you will use almost constantly. This often includes cooking herbs you love to use, such as basil and rosemary. Or you can go with the highly aromatic ones if you just want your garden to smell good, such as mint and sage. Gradually add more herbs to the garden when you feel more comfortable with the process.
Keep Up With Watering
Far too many people forget to water their herbs on a regular basis. Simply because it is a little tricky to determine when they need to be watered. Instead of just watering at the same time each week or every couple weeks, you need to check the soil often to determine when you need to water them. When the soil feels dry even a couple inches below the surface, you know it is time to water.
