Starting an Herb Garden

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Starting an Herb Garden

 

If you have never planted an herb garden, plant one this year! Even

the smallest patch of herbs is fun, interesting, soothing, and

entertaining to grow. Not to mention useful for so many projects

including cooking, crafting, making fragrances and healing.

 

 

Although the majority of familiar herbs need a sunny, well drained

spot, there are some herbs that can be grown in shade or part shade.

There is a great number of good herb books that give detailed

information on the cultural requirements of each herb.

 

 

It is important to prepare the soil well before starting an herb

garden. Remove sod and all weeds. If the soil has been a lawn or a

field, cover it with a piece of black plastic for at least a week

after tilling. The heat under the plastic will cause the weed seeds

and roots to sprout, but the darkness and hot temperatures will also

kill them. A week or so of this should act as a natural herbicide.

Some folks like to retill and cover a second time to be sure that all

the weed seeds die.

 

 

A generous sprinkling of lime is usually the next step. Although most

southern Jersey soils need lime each spring, you may want to call your

county extension agent to find out about a soil test if you have your

doubts. We always lime and fertilize each spring, using 5-10-5 on all

of our gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs. This is a basic fertilizer

low in nitrogen, allowing for good root, fruit, and bloom development.

 

 

Once the soil has been prepared you are ready to plant. First make a

list of the herbs that you like to cook with, want to dry for crafts

and decorations, and any others that you may want to grow. Make a

drawing of the garden and place the plants where you would like them.

Remember to check the size of a tag, or look up the cultural

directions and descriptions in a book. Keep perennials where they can

remain and grow for years and fill in with annuals.

 

I would suggest the following herbs for a first garden. Several

varieties of thyme look great near the edge of the garden, often

creeping into paths. The variegated lemon is a must, as is the orange

balsam. All bloom during the summer with a beautiful display of mauve

or pink flowers. Another low plant, that is a flea repellent, is a

member of the mint family, penney royal. This will grow in shade or

sun.

Some medium plants that are good for cooking are chives, oregano,

lovage, sage, and French tarragon. All are perennials so they will

need a permanent spot. A great favorite is parsley, which sometimes

lasts two years before reseeding. Parsley is a biennial. Sow as much

of this as you like, as there never seems to be enough. It is so

pretty that it also makes a good border for the whole herb garden. Mix

it with the colorful, annual nasturtium, with its edible blooms for a

real show stopper.

 

 

Some favorite annuals such as chervil, corriander, summer savory, and

basil can be planted by seed wherever there is room. No herb garden

would be complete without several lavender plants. This colorful,

fragrant plant comes up for years and years and blooms on all summer.

Lavender blooms can be dried or used fresh in arrangements, made into

sachets, or hung in closets to chase off moths. It is so fragrant in

baths or as a room freshener. An old fashioned plant, this is surely

the queen of the herb garden and one that deserves a spot of honor.

 

 

Lorraine Kiefer is the owner of Triple Oaks Nursery and has been a

garden writer since 1972. Reach her at tripleoaks

 

Lorraine Kiefer is the owner of Triple Oaks Nursery and has been a

garden writer since 1972. Reach her at tripleoaks

 

 

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown