Herb Gardens: A Beginner's Primer

source: A Soft Place to Land

Herb gardens are a great way for a beginner gardener to really get started gardening. And, since they can be grown indoors or out, there are no excuses - no saying, "It's raining today." or "I don't want to sit out in the yard all day!" All that's needed for a thriving herb garden is a sunny and warm location, herb seeds or seedlings, pots and potting soil, and a "Yes, I can do this!" attitude!

I've found out, from speaking with several "green-thumb" friends, that some of the easiest herbs for fledgling gardeners to start with are Basil, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Parsley, Chives, Mint, Sage, and Thyme.

Whether you want to start from seed or use seedlings is up to you. Seeds are cheaper and you'll have the ability to experiment more with differing varieties, but seedlings have already sprouted and only need to be transplanted into pots when you get them home.

If you're growing them indoors, opt for plastic pots with drainage saucers, and make sure to buy ones that will accommodate the herb's full growth.

Location

Herbs can be grown anywhere there's warmth and sun. Most folks place their herbs in the kitchen, close to where they're going to use them. Best location? A window sill facing south or west. If need be, supplement light with grow/plant lights, which can be purchased at garden stores.

Planting Seeds

1. Fill pots with potting soil to 1 inch from the top.
2. Make a small hole in the soil with your fingertip, pushing about an inch down.
3. Place a few seeds in the hole and cover with soil.
4. Water thoroughly until it drips from the bottom of the pot.

It should take 7 - 14 days for the seeds to germinate.

Planting Seedlings

1. Fill pots with potting soil to 2-3 inches from the top.
2. Make a hole in the soil, pushing about an inch down.
3. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the base with more soil, about one more inch.
4. Water thoroughly until it drips from the bottom of the pot.

Always keep the soil moist, but be sure not to over-water.

Lastly, herbs taste best before they flower, pinch back often to ensure the flowering stage of growth is stunted and new stem growth is encouraged.

More Herb Gardening Tips and Information

• Herbs to Grow from Seeds
  A listing of herbs with instructions for growing them.
• Herb Gardening Guru
  Everything you need to know to begin growing herbs.
• Herb Gardens
  About.com's Herb Gardening Blog – find recipes, herb growing tips, and other herb gardening advice.
• Herbs
  Herb care, planting and growing herbs, and more from Garden Guide.
• HerbGardening.com
  How to grow fresh kitchen and medicinal herbs in your backyard, on your balcony, deck or patio, even indoors!

Herb Gardening Catalogs

• Richters
• Seeds of Change
• Mountain Valley Growers
• Goodwin Creek Gardens
• Lingle's Herbs
• Sand Mountain Herbs