Growing Herbs In Your Garden...The Basics
Herbs Needs
The herbs requirements need to be exact in order to produce attractive, scented and healthy plants. So their living conditions in the herb garden need to be of high standard in order to grow high quality herbs. Warmth, light, soil, shelter, and the general position of the herb garden is a big fact in determining how well the herbs will grow, the first thing you should do, even before you buy the herbs, is take those 5 facts into consideration as they are vital.
Herbs like Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary and Thyme require around 7 hours of sunlight daily to develop a full aroma. Other herbs like Mint, Lemon Balm, Parsley, Chervil and Salad Burnet need semi-shade in order to grow properly. In some cases of the herb if they get too much sunlight their leaves will turn brown whereas if herbs get too little sunlight (i.e. in shady areas) their leaves will turn completely green, and this is not good. You can even grow your herbs in a potplant.
Growing Herbs In The Right Soil
Herbs need the right nutrients in the soil they are planted in. Growing herbs in the right soil will produce healthy and strong plants which will then be perfect herbs to harvest. Essential oils that are contained in the herbs will reflect on the type of soil and quality of fertilizer used. The 2 basic soils that growing herbs will need include the following...
-
Humus rich loose soil ... This soil should not contain too many nutrients as the plants will grow too quickly and therefore the herbs will loose flavour, smell and all their leaves.
-
Lime rich poor soil ... Mediterranean herbs are grown in this type of soil. Herbs like Sage and Lavender are examples of Mediterranean herbs.
Growing Herbs in a protected Manner
Protection of your garden herbs is another important aspect of growing herbs. The herb gardener should always make sure an area is set out for the herbs that will give them plentiful shelter from the wind and other natural enhanced factors. The best place to grow your herbs is next to a wall or garage and low-growing box hedges around herbs gives the herb garden shelter and also gives a more beautiful look to your garden.
Growing Herb Tips ...
Make sure when you are ready to buy your herbs that they look healthy and they have plenty of roots.
Spring and Autumn are the best time to plant your herbs. Make sure you water the herbs well before you plant them. The ideal day to plant herbs into your garden is a fairly warm overcast day, make sure the soil is very moist before you plant your herbs.