How to create a herb garden

Posted on 1st October 2021

What a Summer it’s been! With the great weather over the past couple of months, there has been plenty of opportunity to spruce up the garden.

But as we head into the colder months, you might be thinking how else can I test my green fingers? If you love cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and like to use fresh herbs, why don’t you have a go at planting your own herb garden? Herb gardens have become very popular in recent years due to being cheaper than buying from supermarkets; herbs are easy to grow and it is a great activity for the whole family.

Choose your herbs

When choosing herbs to plant think about what you like and will use when cooking, so nothing goes to waste. A few popular herbs are basil, coriander, thyme, mint and parsley.

Be sure to read the feeding and growing requirements of each herb as they will differ, for instance basil grows better in the sun, whereas coriander is better in shaded areas.

Prepare the area

Most herbs, including the ones named above, grow better in the ground, so there is no need to purchase pots or raised flowerbeds. When choosing the area for your herb garden, choose somewhere with lots of sunlight - it is also important to loosen the soil before planting so water can drain through easily.

Planting the herbs and watering

If you’re using a herb plant rather than a seed, be careful when extracting them from the pots as the stems are very delicate and can break when pressed. Dig a small hole, place the plant in and fill again.

When using seeds, scatter a few in the hole then cover with soil. Once your herbs are planted, it’s time to water them. Use a fine and light setting on the hosepipe, or use a rose on a watering can.

 

Prune the herbs

Pruning the herb plants will help them to grow. Simply cut off a few leaves and stems that don’t look as healthy as the rest of the plant. When doing this, you may also notice garden pests lurking in the leaves - such as slugs, spider mites and flea beetles, which all feed on herbs. Moisture can attract these pests, so plant your herbs in soil that can drain water easily.

We shared our tips, now it’s your turn. Share a picture of your herb garden with us on Twitter, @ventureprop.