How to Grow Fresh Garden Herbs

Growing fresh herbs in the home garden provides an ample supply of herbs for cooking as well as for natural remedies for common ailments. Deciding which herbs to grow depends on your personal taste and needs. Fortunately it is easy to grow herbs in the home garden as most require little care and thrive in poor soil. Not only are these plants a source of flavor for all your culinary needs they are beautiful fragrant plants as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Herb seeds/seedlings
• Garden tools
• 1 gallon can
• All-purpose potting soil
• Perlite

1. 

   Select a location for your herb garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun everyday. Soil should be well-drained, but does not need to be fertile. Most herbs will grow happily in sandy soil. Avoid overly rich soil as the oils in herbs develop better in poor soil. Watering may be necessary during extremely dry periods, by herbs generally do not require additional water and survive quite well with natural rainfall.

2. 

   Grow basil for a versatile herb ideal for seasoning tomato, chicken and stir fry recipes. Basil provides a rich sweet flavor that is unmatched by other herbs. Plant seeds in spring after the danger of frost. Basil is a delicate annual that does not withstand the effects of frost. Cover lightly with soil and water to moisten. Keep the area evenly moist until seeds germinate. Germination time depends on the weather and ranges from a few days to two weeks. Once established basil requires little care. Pinch out the top leaves once the plant reaches a size of four inches. This causes basil to send out new leaves and creates a bushy full plant. Harvest the outer leaves whenever needed for cooking.

3. 

   Include lemon basil. This delightful herb adds a dash of lemon flavor to the rich flavor of basil making it ideal for stir fries and omelets. Follow the planting and cultivation procedure for regular basil. Add chopped lemon basil leaves to potato salad, chicken or vegetable dishes.

4. 

   Grow purple basil to add color and texture to your herb garden. This beautiful plant tends to be a bit spicier that plain basil, but has gorgeous purple leaves. It may be slow to germinate in cold weather. Start purple basil inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost to get a head start on the growing season.

5. 

   Grow lavender for a fragrant herb that is known for its ability to induce restful sleep. Sow seeds inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in a mixture of equal parts all-purpose potting soil and perlite. Set out young seedlings when the danger of frost has passed and water thoroughly. Keep evenly moist until lavender is established. Pinch out center leaves to encourage lavender to fill out. Choose the area wisely for lavender as this perennial will return each year in the same location. Harvest leaves and blooms for sachets to scent the home and create a relaxing atmosphere.

6. 

   Grow thyme. This versatile herb is wonderful addition to herb gardens. Its compact growth and delicate leaves make it an attractive perennial that returns bigger and better every year growing in a rounded mound that slowly trails to new areas. It is ideal as a border plant or to grow in rock gardens. As a culinary herb, thyme enhances the natural flavors of meats and vegetables and provides subtle flavor.

7. 

   Select lemon thyme for its spicy lemon flavor that is ideal for egg and cheese dishes like omelets and is simply delicious in cold slaw. Sow seeds in late spring after the danger of frost and cover lightly. Keep evenly moist until seeds germinate. Thyme requires little care and is a rapid grower once it is established. New leaves appear in early spring as soon as the snow melts and the soil warms slightly.

8. 

   Plant oregano for a robust herb to flavor tomato and pizza recipes. This aggressive plant is best grown in containers as it is invasive and will take over the herb garden if not kept in check. Plant seedlings in a one gallon can with the bottom removed. Insert the can into the soil so the rim of the can is level with or slightly below soil level. This will curtail aggressive roots from spreading to new areas. Remove all blossoms before the go to seed to prevent self seeding.

9. 

   Use oregano as a border to lawns or allow to naturalize in unused areas of your yard. This herb is fragrant and is an attract two foot plant that produces purple blooms. Add to cut flowers to take advantage of its attractive leaves and blooms.

Tips & Warnings

• Select herbs that you use often.
• Harvest herbs before blooming.

[msorrels]

on 5/7/2009 What great tips and advice! Thanks!