Grow Herbs!

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, medicinally, and ornamentally. For example, basil adds flavor to salads and sauces, chamomile tea soothes the whole body, and lavender will freshen any room with its beauty and scent. Growing your own herbs is not only easy to do but also incredibly rewarding.

Herbs can be grown either in pots or directly in the ground. Keep in mind that mint is very aggressive and will quickly take over your garden so it’s best to plant it in containers. Some species of rosemary and lavender form large bushes and will need room to do so.

If you are planting directly in the ground, choose a site that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight. (Mint can take some shade.) Mix in both compost and sphagnum moss to lighten up the existing soil and provide proper drainage.

Once planted, herbs require little attention. Like most plants, they do not like soil that’s too wet, but like just the right amount of water. It is generally ideal for the soil to be slightly cool and moist to the touch. Little fertilization if any is required. Fertilization actually detracts from an herb’s flavor.

Herbs rarely suffer from severe disease or insect damage, but in case they do, fight them with an organic method such as ladybugs, neem oil or one of the Safer® brand products.

To harvest, pinch off or snip with a pair of scissors. This will also encourage fuller growth. It is always best to harvest early in the day. Most of the common herbs will stay with you throughout the years, with the exception of basil and cilantro, which are annuals and die off each year, and parsley, which is a biennial and lasts two years.