When you have fresh herbs an arm’s length away, it changes the way you think about meals. Rather than a trip to the market, you can just grab your scissors, cut a few herb sprigs and instantly add the scent of rosemary and thyme to grilled meats or roasted veggies.
A garden that provides you with food not only keeps your table laden with good flavors but also sustains your soul and keeps you in touch with the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Herbs can be planted alone or in clusters. For a nice mix of color and texture, plant 2 to 3 varieties of the same herb or 2 to 3 different herbs in one pot or garden corner.
- Marjoram and oregano
- Thai, Genovese and opal basil
- Lemon, silver and English thyme
- Tarragon, chervil and chives
- Haifa, trailing and blue spires rosemary
What you’ll need:
- A variety of herb seedlings
- A small garden plot with prepared soil or various-sized pots or containers
- Pebbles or pot shards or drainage
- Soil for pots
- Watering can or hose
- Plant markers
Find out what grows best in your region, then decide on the herbs that the whole family likes to eat and that you want to plant.
A Pot or a Plot?
Decide whether you want to use pots or a garden plot. Most herbs (and lettuces and some vegetables) can be grown in pots or other small containers. If you use pots, you can bring herbs indoors in winter, for a year-round harvest. If you use a garden plot, make sure it has good drainage.
Find a Spot
Whether you decide on a pot or a plot, make sure you select a good, sunny spot.
Get Your Pots Ready
If you are using pots, put the pebbles or pot shards around the hole in the bottom to promote good drainage. Fill the pot nearly full with good, right potting soil.
Give the soil a good watering before planting. Line up the seedlings in their little pots in the place you want to plant them. Press the pot into the soil to mark the spot. Using the trowel, make a hold in the soil just big enough for the plant.
Give the seedlings a drink of water before you begin transplanting them, then gently remove from the container. Carefully spread out the clumped roots, put in the ground or pot and lightly press the dirt around the base of the plant. Give them a little more water.
Watch It Grow!
Label your plants with plant markers so you don’t forget what you planted where, then water them and wish them luck. After that, water as needed and keep up on the weeds.