How to Start a Herb Garden
Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice, growing your own herb garden is an enriching and rewarding experience. They can be used in cooking, teas, or herbal remedies, but they also have beautiful foliage and flowers, many of which are attractive to pollinators. Growing your own herbs, from seeds or ready-grown plants, is much more economical than buying packets of cut herbs from the supermarket, and you can cut them as you need them, so they will always be fresh. You'll enjoy a much wider range of flavours, too. The first step to a successful herb garden is selecting the right herbs to grow. Consider your culinary preferences and favourite dishes. Popular choices include basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, parsley and coriander. Each herb comes with its unique flavours, textures, and uses. For beginners, it's advisable to start with a few herbs that you like and will use and expand your collection as you gain confidence.
Winter is a good time to think about growing herbs in your garden but really any time is a good time. I am going to give you some pointers on how to start a herb garden, be that in adding to your existing garden or starting a fresh with a new herb bed or growing in pots. Winter is the time to sit in front of the fire and work your way through gardening books, seed catalogues and the internet to see what you might like to grow! Think about how you would use them. Do you want a herbal tea garden? or grow herbs for culinary and medicinal use? What space do you have? How much time do you have?...all worth contemplating !
Creating a Herb Garden
I believe every garden should have some herbs as they are so versatile and can be used for cooking, making teas, medicinal remedies plus have lovely and attractive foliage and usually delicate flowers. Many herbs are perennial which means they live longer than one season which is what annuals do. Examples of perennials are Rosemary, Sage and Thyme where as Basil is an annual. Growing herbs from seeds or small plants is much cheaper than buying from your supermarket, plus you can use them as you need them.
Herbs can be grown in a dedicated herb garden or amongst your flowers and vegetables, they can grow in raised beds or pots/containers. Herbs attract pollinators so work well within a mixed garden, alongside your vegetables or flowers.
Herbs like a sunny, sheltered spot although some they will tolerate a shady spot. I think having your herbs near your kitchen is also a good idea if this is possible so you can easily just pop out a gather what you need. A good place to have them is a patio area where they not only look attractive but you can appreciate the aroma.
Choosing Herbs to Grow
I think it is easer to group herbs together according to their growing requirements, it just makes it easier to look after them.
The herbs can be broken down into 5 different groups:- Mediterranean, Annual and Biennial, Shade herbs, Invasive herbs and Tender Perennials.
Mediterranean Herbs
They are those sun loving herbs - Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme and they are used to hot harsh conditions of the Mediterranean climate, which is generally characterised by lot hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes wet winters. The best conditions for these herbs to grow in is well draining soil with reasonable fertility. The ideal soil type is sandy or loamy soil with good aeration. This type of soil allows excess water to drain away quickly, preventing waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. The fertile soil provides essential nutrients for the plants' growth. If you have clay soil you will need to add plenty of organic matter to help loosen up the soil or just plant in pots.
pH level: Most Mediterranean herbs thrive in slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH levels, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. The pH level influences nutrient availability to the plants, and these herbs have adapted to grow best in this range.
Sunlight: Mediterranean herbs are sun-loving plants and require plenty of sunlight to thrive. They typically need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The hot and sunny conditions of a Mediterranean climate are perfect for these herbs to flourish.
Watering: Although Mediterranean herbs prefer well-draining soil, they still require regular watering, especially during their establishment phase. Once established, they become quite drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without much water. However, during prolonged dry spells, providing some water can help maintain their health and flavour.
Temperature: Mediterranean herbs are adapted to warm temperatures and can handle heat well. They may not survive in regions with harsh frost or extreme cold temperatures.
Some common Mediterranean herbs and their specific growing preferences are:
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Loves well-draining soil, full sunlight, and can tolerate dry conditions.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Prefers well-draining soil, full sunlight, and moderate water during its early growth.
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Requires rich, well-draining soil, full sunlight, and consistent moisture.
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Sage (Salvia officinalis): Thrives in well-draining soil, full sunlight, and moderate water once established.
The reason these herbs grow best in such conditions is that they have evolved and adapted to thrive in the Mediterranean climate. The hot, dry summers ensure that excess moisture does not harm the plants, while the mild, wet winters allow the plants to rest and recover. The soil and growing conditions allow these herbs to access the right amount of nutrients and sunlight they need to produce aromatic oils and flavours that make them popular for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Annual & Biennial Herbs
These are herbs such as Basil, Coriander, Dill and Parsley prefer richer, moist soil. When they get too hot and dry they will bolt to seed and in particular Coriander is better grown in spring or autumn rather than the height of summer. They are easily grown from seed and once established harvest the leaves on a regular basis.
Shade Herbs
These include Anise Hyssop, Chervil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Lovage, Mint, Parsley and Sorrel
How to Grow Shade Loving Herbs
Invasive Herbs
Herbs such as Mint, Lemon Balm and St Johns Wart have a habit of spreading themselves. With this in mind you need to keep them trimmed back or give them a dedicated area where you are happy for them to spread! Evening Primrose is happy to spread their seeds all over the garden as does Mullein.
Tender Perennials
Some herbs such as Lemon Verbena can be susceptible to frost until they get established and prefer a sheltered spot. Lemongrass is the same. Best grown in pots and moved to a warmer, sheltered spot over winter.