How to Grow Herbs
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Starting an herb garden is much easier than you might expect, as most herbs are hardy plants that thrive in poor soil, usually with very little water and fertilizer. The payoff is attractive plants with a delightful aroma and distinctive flavor.
Plant an herb garden near your kitchen door where you’ll be more likely to snip the leaves for use in your favorite dishes or healthy, flavorful tea. If you don’t have space for a herb garden, most herbs are well-suited for growing in pots. Here’s how to get started:
- Herbs that grow well by seed include thyme, oregano, chives or parsley. Others, including lavender and rosemary, are easier to start with small plants from a greenhouse or nursery.
- When it comes to growing herbs, location is critical. Most herbs require six to eight hours of sun per day, but some, including chervil, parsley, and tarragon can get by with three or fours of sunlight.
- Herbs require well-drained soil and most are likely to rot in waterlogged, soggy conditions.
- Work a small amount of vegetable and herb fertilizer into the soil before planting. Look for a mix with Canadian peat moss, compost and mycorrhizae for stronger, healthier plants.
- If you choose to grow herbs in containers, be sure the pots have drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pots with commercial potting mix (never use garden soil).
- Before planting, dig the soil to a depth of 25 to 30 cm. Pick out stones and large clods.
- Allow plenty of growing space, as crowding can contribute to disease and pests. Smaller herbs like chives, parsley, and cilantro can be grown in fairly small spaces, but lavender, sage, and rosemary need plenty of room to spread out.
- Feed container-grown herbs every three weeks, using a weak solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.
- Be careful not to overwater your herb garden. Water herbs when the top 5 cm of soil is dry to the touch, then let the soil dry before watering again.
- Harvest herbs frequently, as snipping the plant produces bushier, thicker growth. The flavor and aroma are best when herbs are harvested before they bloom.
