Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and fragrance to any dish, and what's more rewarding than snipping them straight from your own garden? Here's a beginner's guide to starting your very own herb haven, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a sunny windowsill.
Picking Your Perfect Perch:
- Sunlight is Key: Most herbs crave at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. South facing windows or patios make the perfect location for herbs to thrive.
- Potted Paradise or Grounded Glory: Consider your space. Herbs thrive in containers or garden beds with well-draining soil. Also acount for easy clean up like spills or water. Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Planting Power:
- Seeds or Starts: Decide between starting from seeds or buying established seedlings. Seeds take longer but offer more variety, while seedlings provide a quicker harvest. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow seed packet instructions for planting depth and germination time.
- Transplanting Tips: When transplanting seedlings outdoors, harden them off gradually by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball and water generously. Pro Tip: Pick up freeze cloth from your local gardening store or Amazon incase of a late spring frost. Tall clear plastic totes make easy green houses while your herbs are young and delicate.
Harvesting Happiness:
- Snip away! Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. Leave about 50% of your plant with each trimming to prevent over harvesting.
- Pinch, Don't Prune: For bushier herbs like basil, use pinching as your primary pruning method. Pinch at the spilt of a leave from the stalk.
Drying or Freezing: Preserve your harvest by drying herbs in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area or by freezing them in airtight containers. Dehydrate your herbs before storing.
With a little planning and TLC, your herb garden will flourish, rewarding you with a bounty of fresh flavors throughout the season. So, grab your seeds or seedlings, get your hands dirty, and get ready to enjoy the delicious rewards of homegrown herbs!