Your Own Basic Herb Garden Guarantees Fresh Herbs For Cooking
Those who use a lot of herbs for seasoning and appreciate having a supply of fresh product can put in a basic herb garden to grow the ones they use the most. The majority of the most common herbs used as spices in cooking can be successfully grown in average soil, but some such as oregano do require rich soil.
Additionally, some herbs in a basic herb garden such as parsley are biennial plants. This means the first year they are grown they will not be useful for seasoning. It is during the second year that the crop can be used. Ideally, with parsley, during the second year, plant a new crop of seeds so that in a couple of years they will overlap, providing usable seasoning every year.
Virtually all herbs grown in a basic herb garden such as, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil are tolerant of direct sun, but will require a minimum amount of water to survive. However, thyme is a very forgiving plant and if it dries out will likely come back when an appropriate amount of water is given. Since some have different soil requirements and can grow under slightly different conditions, having them separated by variety can help get them started and keep them growing throughout their life.
Plant Herbs Close To Where They Will Be Used
In most cases it is easier on the grower to plant your herb garden close to the kitchen for easy harvesting of the fresh crop. Remember, the entire growth does have to be cut and used at once. With the right care, the spices will continue to grow and be usable during the entire season. Drying the extra cuttings at the end of the season can possibly supply the spice throughout the winter, often lasting until the next crop produces the following year.
If you are short of growing space certain herbs can be planted among other plants, especially tomatoes. Parsley can play well with other plants specifically tomatoes, asparagus among roses. Broccoli and cauliflower welcome rosemary in their midst as well.
The biggest downfall to planting herbs among other vegetable plants or flowers is the chance of inadvertent damage from some wild animals walking through the garden and stepping on them. Although it is unlikely many rabbits or other animals will eat the herbs straight from the garden the consequential damage can ruin your crop. Some people make a small basic herb garden in plant containers just outside their kitchen doors for extra convenience.
