Create Your Own Special Herb Garden

Herbs have been around since time immemorial. Our ancestors used herbs to treat illness and in cooking. They were even believed to have supernatural power. Because of their versatility, they were among the earliest plants to be cultivated and grown in gardens.

If you do you are planning your own herb garden, it might be fun to consider that you’re participating in one of the oldest of human endeavors. Here are a few ideas on how to create an effective herb garden.

Designing Your Garden Space

Start by considering the herbs you want to plant. How much space will you need to create your garden? Since each herb requires specific care, it’s important to take some time to learn the needs of each herb you’re interested in planting. 

It’s a good idea to draw your garden on paper first, or at least list out the herbs you’re planning to plant, so you can organize your garden before you plant it. 

You can create a charming border by using stones or brick or by growing a row of a colorful herb, such purple basil, as a border plant. 

If you garden is square, you can give it definition by dividing it into four areas. Make two paths that cross in the middle and then give each section its own border. An old wooden ladder can give your garden shape: plant your herbs between its rungs. Or, if you want a round garden, plant an old wagon wheel in the same way or layout your border stone like the spokes of a wagon wheel.  

Planting Your Garden 

It’s best to separate your herb plants by their life cycle, by whether they’re annuals, biennials, or perennials. That way, when it comes time to pull up the annuals, you won't disturb the perennials. If you plant the perennials on the edge of your garden, you’ll find it easier to till the soil in your garden without disturbing the still growing plants. 

Biennials take between twelve and twenty-four months to complete their lifecycle. In the first year they’ll grow leaves, stems, and roots. After going dormant in the winter, they’ll return the following spring and produce flowers, fruit and seed before dying.   

Biennials are relatively uncommon, but Parsley is an example of a biennial you might consider growing. It’s commonly used as a garnish or spice in cooking, but historically was used to freshen the breath, to treat high blood pressure and, when rubbed on the skin, to stop the itch of mosquito bites. 

Get Your Plants Growing 

Another consideration in your garden’s design is the height of your plants. Put the tall plants at the back of your garden and the shorter ones in front. However you arrange your plants, make sure you provide them with enough space to grow properly.  

Different plants have different needs. Determine the needs of herbs your planting in the planning stage. Some will need more sun, others more shade. If you’re starting with seeds, be sure you understand what’s necessary for their  germination, including soil temperature. With seedlings, make sure you allow proper spacing. 

Herbs are actually among the easiest plants to grow. You only need to provide them with effective drainage, sunlight, moisture, and fertile soil.  

Not only will you have the immense satisfaction of cultivating your own garden, but the pleasure using your own fresh herbs in your cooking.