I have recently bought various herb seeds, which I’m very excited about planting, I enjoy cooking and I’ve decided grow fresh herbs such as Basil and Coriander. I’ve never grown any herbs before and have a very limited knowledge of gardening in general and so would greatly appreciate any advice that you could give.
A herb garden is one of the loveliest additions you can make to your garden and lifestyle. Growing a diverse group of herbs can be attractive, they can provide color, fragrance, and interest throughout the year. I call it the wonderful world of herbs.
First you will need to decide which herbs you would like to grow. Herbs can be planted for purely ornamental reasons or they could be used to add flavor to cooking as our reader wishes to do. All plants have different specific needs, so here is a general guide for you to get your own herb garden up and running.
Although it may seem daunting, starting a herb garden is actually quite easy. It is much easier and less intensive than growing vegetables. Whereas vegetable gardens can attract pests, a herb garden can actually repel them. Herbs can usually tolerate lower quality soil, and will withstand drier conditions more readily than a vegetable garden.
To grow herbs you need to find a sunny position, preferably east facing and a minimum of five hours sunlight per day. It is also important that the soil has good drainage. Avoid ground where water stands or pools during heavy rains. Compensate for poor drainage with raised garden beds. Avoid adding water crystals that retain moisture content in the soil for longer periods. Always avoid heavy applications of fertilizer containing large amounts of nitrogen, which will decrease the concentration of essential oil in the foliage.
Herbs are extremely easy to grow. Average soil is okay, as long as it’s well drained (no puddles). When grown outdoors and given ample air circulation, sunlight, and water drainage, herbs rarely suffer severe disease or insect damage.
If you are planting from seed, sow the seed and cover with about 1cm of soil. Water the soil so that it remains damp until germination. The seedbed must be in full sun. Once growing after two to three months try to keep all herbs pruned. Regularly prune a few centimeters off each branch, from the top down once a month. This will create vigorous and healthy growth. You will notice the plants seem to have a burst of new growth immediately after pruning. Fertilize sparingly, not more than three times per year with good seaweed fertilizer at the same time.
Common and easy herbs to grow for culinary use include Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Lemongrass, Chilli, Oregano, Chives and Mint. You can grow them in the garden bed, or in pots. They will also grow well indoors, in a sunny position.
Following is a quick reference guide to growing some of these common herbs.
For Basil morning sun is a must. Loves sun and heat, but remember to water often.
Coriander likes sun but will tolerate partially shaded areas. It will also do well indoor. Parsley likes all morning sun. Never harvest the center, only the outside leaves. Lemongrass needs a sunny position. Harvest the bulbs by pulling from the outer edge, and new ones will grow in their place. Well suited in a pot. Chilli grows well in pots or straight in the garden. Likes full sun, and plenty of space. Oregano needs full sun, it spreads low like a groundcover, well suited to pots. Chives need lots of sun. Sow direct into garden beds or pots. Good in shallow soil areas. Lemon balm and Mint are from the same family and are perhaps too easy to grow. They are better suited to pots as they can tend to take over the garden rather quickly.
Growing herbs in pots is the best option if you do not have a lot of space. Some herbs can quickly take over a garden bed, so if you grow in pots then it will be easier to control.
In my place I have an east-facing window in my kitchen that gets lots of sun. My herbs thrive there in pots with very little effort. I plant them with the ordinary potting mix that I buy at the local nursery for Rp 5000, for a small 2kg bag. This would be enough for 3 - 4 medium sized pots.
The culinary benefits of herbs are obvious. There is nothing better than chopping fresh herbs from your own garden that you have grown yourself. Fresh produce always tastes better when it is straight from the garden to the kitchen. If you are not much of a cook, then why don’t you try a fresh herbal tea instead? Herbs are packed full of concentrated vitamins and minerals, and have many health benefits.
My favorite two herbs for ornamental planting, are Rosemary and Lavender, which both grow relatively slow. Both plants are very aromatic, easy to grow and give off a lovely fragrance in the garden. Both are not really suited to indoor growing, but they can be grown in pots. As well as culinary uses I like to hang a bunch of lavender and rosemary sprigs in the kitchen as a natural air-freshener.
Some herbs in your garden will actually repel pests and act as an organic form of pest control. Lavender attracts beneficial insects while helping to repel pests like aphids and mites. Basil repels flies and leaves rubbed on the skin can repel mosquitoes. The marigold is probably the most well known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds are planted amongst tomatoes to repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. You can also eat the marigold flower, which is lovely and yellow, and can be added to any fresh salad.
Herbs are so versatile. To make your very own herb garden your design options are limitless. At its simplest, it may be a simple collection of potted herbs. If you are not sure, start with one first, then work your way up from there.
Good luck and Happy Gardening!
