Weekend Project: Start an Herb Garden
Fresh herbs add a bright burst of flavor to almost any dish, but herbs from the supermarket are expensive and don’t last long. Starting your own herb garden is a quick and easy project, even if your outdoor space is limited. Follow these steps to get started this weekend—soon you’ll be topping your pizza and pasta with fresh basil and oregano!
Decide Where You’ll Grow
Herbs grow just as well in containers as they do planted in the ground. As long as you have a sunny spot that gets about 6 hours of sunlight each day, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting your plants to thrive. If you’re in an apartment without outdoor space, a windowsill will also work, though you may want to stick to herbs that don’t require a ton of light, like chives, mint and parsley.
Prep your containers with a high-quality potting soil—most herbs prefer soil that is relatively loose and drains well. If you’re growing mediterranean herbs like rosemary or lavender, you may want to add some horticultural sand to the mix for extra drainage.
If you’ll be planting in the garden, adding a fresh layer of garden soil will give your plants an extra boost of nutrients as they start growing. Herbs can grow well in most soils, as long as the soil isn’t too hard or clay-like. If it is, then a raised garden bed is likely a better option.
Pick Out Your Favorite Herbs
Always grow what you love to eat! If you’re a pesto lover, then basil is a natural choice. If Mexican food is your go-to, then don’t forget the cilantro.
Here’s a list of the most popular (and tastiest!) herbs for home gardeners:
Basil
Parsley
Thyme
Rosemary
Mint
Oregano
Sage
Dill
Cilantro
Chives
Marjoram
Many of these herbs can be started from seed, but it will take about 4-6 weeks for the seedlings to be ready to plant. It’s easier and faster to pick up some healthy herb plants from Plant Depot or your local garden center, so you can start enjoying these delicious flavors right away.
It’s Time to Start Planting
With your planting area prepped and ready, it’s time to plant your herbs. Make sure to leave enough space between each plant so they have enough space to grow. If you’re growing multiple herbs in a single container, try to pair together plants that like similar conditions. Parsley, mint and cilantro like soil that’s consistently moist, whereas rosemary, thyme and sage do better if they can dry out between waterings.
Start by digging a hole that’s large enough to accommodate the depth of the plant’s original container. Place the plant in, fill in the soil, and gently pat down the soil around the plant. Then water thoroughly, and your herbs are ready to start growing.
Keep Your Herbs Healthy
Herbs are generally low-maintenance, but you should check your plants regularly to see if they need water. Soil in containers can dry out quickly in the summer and may need a little water each day—garden beds usually take a bit longer to dry out once they’ve been thoroughly watered. Fertilize your plants at least once a month to keep them green and healthy.
Be sure to harvest your herbs frequently, as weekly cuttings will encourage more growth.
