Herb Gardening - How to Grow an Herb Garden

Anyone wishing to experience the joy and pride of creating a beautiful and fruitful garden may want to consider an herb garden as their first attempt. These plants are easy to grow and quite forgiving. Herbs are a hardy plant that can withstand poor soil and for the most part require little to no fertilization. Many varieties of herbs are insect repellant and rarely require the task of pruning, making them even more appealing as a choice for indoor gardening.

After you have selected the variety of herbs you wish to grow, it is important to ensure that you also have the proper tools. For the most part, a small spade or shovel will provide adequate service for planting. Herbs can be planted by cuttings, which require only a small sized hole or they may be planted by seed. Seeds are sown into the ground just below the surface so a spike or fork will work best. Herbs thrive in well drained soil, so making sure to aerate the soil will help.

Although the care of an herb garden is quite simple, on occasion there may be a need to implement some pruning in order to ensure optimum growth. For this task, a pair of sharp pruning shears works best. Many may want to try a simple pair of scissors. While this tool works well for cutting twine or small stems, it is best to leave the thicker stalks and other harder tasks to the more durable gardening shears.

Another important tool useful in herb gardening is a watering can. There are a few different varieties from which to choose. Some only have a small one inch opening which allows a full stream of water to be dispersed. This type of watering can is fine for other plants, but herbs prefer less water. One of the most common mistakes gardeners make with herb gardens is accidental over watering which then causes root rot. The best choice of watering can for an herb garden is the variety which features a head with several holes in it. This allows for a more spray like stream and ensures that the gardener has the ability to control how much water is given.

While a watering can is the optimal choice for container or indoor gardens, outdoor gardens cover a much larger area and require a bigger way to water. Automatic watering systems are the perfect choice. In today’s gardening market, there are several to choose from that are both easy to use and inexpensive as well. Depending on your climate, these systems should only require replacement every few years.

The soaker hose is one of the most popular choices for watering a large garden; however, if they are left outside during the winter, the elements can lead to cracking and plugging causing the need for replacement. If brought indoors for the winter season, these hoses can last for quite a few years. The soaker hose has the ability to water a garden that is twenty feet by thirty feet quite well. All that is required is a well thought out pattern for laying and a few strategically placed spikes to keep it in place.

Wheelbarrows are another handy tool useful in maintaining a hardy garden. This tool can be used for transporting plants that have been started in containers and now need to be transplanted into the landscape. They are also useful in collecting weeds and other debris from clippings and pruning. Using the wheelbarrow to place weeds in and transport elsewhere for disposal ensures that there won’t be any re-seeding.

A three to four inch layer of mulch is another way to beautify your garden while at the same time helping your garden to grow. There are several different kinds of mulch to choose from including wood chips, bark, gravel and shredded newspaper. It is also important to note, that a combination of all these choices also works well. Using mulch after you plant is a wonderful way to minimize the frequency of having to weed as well as assist in soil composition. The most important thing to remember when laying down mulch is to always leave a space of about an inch in diameter between the mulch and the base of the plant. This method will prevent future problems with excess moisture and heat damage.

A few simple tools, some fresh, hardy seeds and some enriched patches of soil, is all you will need to be well on your way to having a beautiful and aromatic herb garden.