How To Grow Herbs

Herbs are very easy and effortless to grow. Simply place the seeds in the ground and sit back and watch the fruits of your "labor". If only it were that easy, but it’s not far from the truth. While you do have to put plenty of attention and energy into any type of gardening, growing herbs is one of the easier tasks.

Most people associate herbs primarily with spices and seasonings for foods. However, herbs serve many other purposes. They have been used for medicinal purposes and as scents in cosmetics and fragrances. Dried herbs are made into potpourris and sachets.

When deciding to grow your own herbs, you much first choose a good location. Most herbs thrive on the sun and need plenty of sunlight to grow. There are a few herbs, however, that do better in partial sunlight. Certain oils that are produced to create the herbs’ flavor do better in proper sunlight.

Most good garden soils are sufficient for growing herbs. The soil should not be too fertile as it will produce excessive foliage that will likely have a poorer flavor. Choose a neutral soil with a pH reading 6.5 and 7.0. adding plenty of peat moss or compost will keep the soil moist. You don’t, however, want the soil to be too wet, so choose a location with proper drainage.

Cultivate the soil 12 to 18 inches, then level it and add organic matter. You don’t have to worry much about insects or disease as they are not typically a threat to herbs.

If you want to plant herbs from seeds, you can do so indoors in late winter around February then transplant them in the garden later. If you choose to plant them directly in the garden, be sure there is no longer a threat of frost. Some herbs do not transplant well such as anise, coriander, dill and fennel, so you will need to plant them directly into the garden. If you are starting with pots or flats indoors, be sure they are in a location that they have plenty of sunlight and are in a cool place.
Once the herb plants have developed and are healthy, you can cut leaves anytime from late spring through summer. Now you have your herbs and can enjoy them all season long. Try them in new recipes or for a sweet fragrance for your home. Enjoy your gardening hobby and remember that you don’t have to have a green thumb.

Tracy Ballisager is a stay-at-home mum. To read more on gardening tips go to http://www.gardening-tips-idea.com to try your hand at gardening.