When you are ready to get started growing your own herbs, there is a virtually limitless supply of herbs to choose from. Herbs can be grown almost anywhere, even on your windowsill if you happen to live in a hot area. The first thing you should do is learn about the types of herbs that are best to grow. Then you can begin to plan your home gardening design.
Many herbs can be grown successfully in partial shade, while others will need full sun to thrive. Some easy herbs to grow at home are basil ( Tulsi), cilantro (clove), dill, fennel, mint, parsley, and thyme. These plants can be started from seed or from cuttings. Some herbs have an incredible smell, such as lemon balm, lavender, mint, and thyme. All of these can be started from cuttings or seeds.
Mint, fennel, and garlic are all perennial herbs that love a warm climate. To enjoy all three flavors, plant mint in small containers in full sun. Water regularly, but not excessively, and watch the mint grow to a beautiful height. Plant mint in shaded areas in fall. The flowers are bright and sweet, and you will be surprised how easy it is to maintain mint.
Other easy, but not easy herbs to grow at home include sage, chives, tarragon, and oregano. Sage is probably the most versatile of the medicinal herbs you can grow. You can dry it for tea, grind it up, and make a delicious seasoning for pasta, pizzas, soups, burgers, and vegetables. Chives has many uses, and is usually stored as a cut flower in smaller pots, or planted in the garden. Tarragon and oregano both taste great when cooked. Both are excellent for cooking, although the flavor of tarragon is stronger and oilier than oregano, and sage is milder and more balanced.
A Mediterranean herb garden includes parsley, rosemary, dill, marjoram, and basil. Parsley is a common ingredient in many recipes, and marjoram and dill make excellent marinades. Both of these herbs can be grown in large pots indoors during cold weather, although you may need an additional glass of water. When buying herbs, be sure to check how much water they need. An herb garden in a hot region should not need too much water.
When you decide on what herbs to grow, it’s best to start with a small container garden and work your way up to a Mediterranean herbs garden if you’re not familiar with the plants. Keep in mind how much sun and shade each plant requires, and how much water they will need. If you have never grown herbs before, it is best to get some advice from an experienced gardener or grower before you begin planting.
The number of plants you begin with will depend on the space you have available, and how much time you have to devote to tending to them. An indoor herb garden is not very taxing, and you can easily move them around if necessary. Some herbs only need to be moved every couple of months, and many herbs only need to be moved once a year. If you live in an area where there are not many trees or other plants to shade them, an indoor garden will work perfectly. It will keep your home smelling fresh all year round.
When your herbs start appearing, water them regularly to keep their roots from drying out. You will also want to pay careful attention to the type of potting mix you use for your plants. Potting soil will retain moisture better than the leaves of the plant, so you should use a thicker variety for your plants. Be sure to keep an eye on the moisture and make sure to moisten it when it starts getting close to the end of its growing season. You don’t want your plants to die during the colder winter months.
