The OutdoorsFamily Fun

Grow an Herb Garden

Some people just seem to have a green thumb and a real knack for growing fresh herbs to make gourmet meals.  Using herbs grown in a kitchen window can enhance any meal.  Most people think that methods to grow an herb garden are complicated but in truth, they are quite easy.  The great thing is that herbs don't require special soil, they can be grown throughout the year, and the garden could be grown in a window sill, this makes a great project for anyone, even apartment dwellers.

Growing an herb garden can be started with seedlings, indoors in early spring.  When the weather warms up your plants will be ready to put in the ground outside.  Start the herb seeds in 4 inch containers in a sunny location or in a greenhouse, if you have one.  You can use a variety of containers such as flats or trays instead of the individual pots.  If you plan to use old containers thoroughly clean them with one part bleach to nine parts water this will protect your herbs from any disease organisms.

When you grow a herb garden you can save space by putting three or four plants such as basil, parsley or oregano in one container.  Remember to pinch off flower heads often so that the leaves will look and taste their best.  This type of herb will only last a season and will need to be replanted each year. Herbs such as rosemary and lavender will grow rather large and require adequate space in your yard.  These two herbs in particular will provide enough sprigs for several years.  Herbs such as chives, mint or sage will come back each year with proper care. When they become leggy they will need to be cut back often to promote future growth.

When testing the soil for growing an herb garden, you may encounter soil that is either too sandy or heavy with clay.  In this situation a raised garden bed would be ideal and one can be made or purchased, and rich, healthy soil added.  The most important aspect would be to provide drain holes so the soil does not become water logged.  These raised boxes can be made or purchased in a variety of sizes, creating the opportunity for one to be placed almost anywhere such as near the kitchen window, etc.  As long as the herb garden is getting adequate sunlight, the plants will do well.  The raised garden boxes could also be used for flowers or vegetables.

The bottom line is that creating an herb garden is easy, fun, and rewarding.  For all the different types of herbs you could grow, such as rosemary, mint, lavender, marjoram, tarragon, thyme, sage, basil, and chives, among others, when added to recipes, the taste will be greatly heightened.  Dried herbs simply do not provide the same deep flavors you get from fresh grown herbs.

GSI Outdoors Kitchen 11 Gourmet Cook Set