How to Plant an Organic Herb Garden
Herbs have long been considered a boon for both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. Growing your own organic herbs allows you to take advantage of all the oils, minerals and health benefits present in the fresh plants. Keeping in mind that the essential definition of organic is growing without using chemicals or pesticides, using all natural compost and materials to add nutrients to your soil will increase the nutrients available in your herbs. Easy to grow either in an outdoor garden or inside containers on a sunny window, herbs are available for any climate and can be dried and preserved for use once the growing season has finished. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soil
- Planters or garden area
- Shovel
- Seeds
- Plants
- Water
- Natural compost
- Worms
Instructions
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Loosen the soil. The soil should be rich and dark. Make sure the soil is loose in either your planting container or in the area in your garden you plan to use. Keep in mind, many herbs are perennial plants and will return year after year, so the garden area should be reserved for herbs only.
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Add an organic fertilizer or natural compost to the soil before planting to give your herbs the additional nutrients they need to start the growing process. Mix the material in with the soil so that it is well incorporated. Adding worms at this time will also assist in the aeration and natural fertilization of the soil.
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Prepare your planting area. If you are planting seeds, prepare either the container or garden area according to the package directions. Most seeds need to be placed only one-quarter inch below the surface of the ground, so soil should be removed to that depth. Plants will require that you dig a small hole in the soil that is just larger than the root system of the plant.
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Plant your seeds and plants. Plants are good for instant usage while seeds will take time to mature, so a mix of both is often a good way of extending the growing season. Once the seeds and plants are placed in the prepared soil, cover with soil and tamp or press the soil down lightly over the seeds or plant root system.
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Water the seeds and plants. Container plants should be watered well, allowed to drain, then set to rest for several days so the roots can establish themselves in the soil. Garden seeds and plants will need to be watered at least every other day to keep the soil moist in order to promote germination and root growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Before planting any garden it is wise to have your soil tested. A soil test will provide you with what nutrients and minerals are lacking or in abundance in your garden plot. Adding natural ingredients to balance your soil's acidity or alkaline content can then be done as you are preparing your soil. Bone meal, natural lime and wood ash can all be added to enhance your soil once you know what needs to be balanced.
Be aware of what is growing in the area around your garden. Keeping the garden organic, especially an outdoor garden, means that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides should be used in any area around your garden as well (your lawn for example). There are strict government guidelines for the growing of commercial organic food that a homeowner often will not be able to comply with. Keep your home garden for personal use only and you will not need to conform to these rules.
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