Harvest Herbaceous Harmony Everyday!
Who doesn’t like herbs? Aromatic. Fragrant. Beautiful. Tasty. Herbs are one of the most satisfying plants to grow. Children find them irresistible. While teaching, I’ve had children pet the lavender for the whole class just so they could smell and feel it’s velvety leaves. And there’s nothing students like better than taking a sprig of mint back to the classroom with them. And with my clients, it’s one of the most satisfying plants that can be used everyday in some capacity. A bit of chives or parsley on that avocado toast - yes, please. Not to mention cilantro in fresh salsa or a leaf of fresh basil to eat with that tomato. YUM!
If You're New to Herbs, Start Here
If you've never planted herbs before, don't make it complicated. You don't need a dedicated herb garden. You don't need twelve varieties. And you certainly don't need to know everything about growing herbs before you plant your first one. Start with one herb you know you will use.
Choosing Where to Plant
Before you buy your herb, take a look at your garden. Most culinary herbs like plenty of sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of sun a day. Good drainage is also important for many perennial herbs, particularly rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender and oregano. If water tends to sit in your garden after a rain, that's probably not the best location for these herbs. And here's a beginner tip that can save you a lot of frustration: Don't plant an herb just because you have an empty spot. Choose the right plant for the spot you have. If your garden is sunny and dry, choose herbs that like those conditions. If you have a spot that stays moister, choose an herb that is more comfortable with that environment - like parsley and cilantro. The plant should fit the garden—not the other way around.
Another option is to use a container to create the perfect spot with the appropriate soil.
Planting Your First Herb
Once you've chosen your herb and location, planting is pretty straightforward.
1. Dig the hole. Dig a hole about as deep as the container your herb came in and about twice as wide. You want the roots to have room to spread into the surrounding soil.
2. Remove the plant from its pot. Gently slide the plant out of the container. If the roots are tightly circling the outside of the root ball, gently loosen a few of them with your fingers. Don't be afraid to touch the roots. Plants are more resilient than they sometimes look. Spread the roots outward if they are starting to circle.
3. Plant at the same depth. Place the herb in the hole so that the top of the root ball is about level with the surrounding soil. Don't bury the stem deeply just because you think the plant needs extra support. Most herbs are perfectly happy being planted at the same depth at which they were growing in their container.
4. Fill in the soil. Return the soil around the roots and gently firm it into place. No need to stomp on it. We're planting an herb, not building a patio.
5. Water deeply. Give the newly planted herb a thorough watering. This settles the soil around the roots and removes large air pockets.
For the first few weeks, pay closer attention to watering while your new plant establishes its roots. After that, your watering routine will depend on the herb, your soil, rainfall and the weather. And this is important: Don't automatically water every day. Feel the soil. Learn what your plant needs.
What Herbs Should You Plant in Fall?
Fall is a great time to plant many perennial herbs because cooler temperatures give plants a chance to establish themselves without having to fight the intense heat of summer.
Some herbs that can live in your garden year after year include:
* Rosemary
* Sage
* Thyme
* Lavender
* Oregano
These herbs can become permanent residents of your garden, providing leaves for cooking and beauty in the landscape.
Then there are the cool-season herbs. Parsley and cilantro are great choices to plant in the fall, and in many Zones 8–9 gardens, October is a good time to get them started.
And what about basil? Basil is a warm-season herb and generally has a limited season in the garden. Once the first frost arrives, basil's growing season comes to an end. So enjoy it while you can!
If mint is the herb you choose, I have one very important piece of advice: Plant it in a pot. Mint is enthusiastic. Very enthusiastic. It has a charming way of turning one little plant into a neighborhood. If you put mint directly into your garden, it can spread through underground stems and become difficult to contain. Growing mint in a container gives you the pleasure of having fresh mint without having to negotiate with it later. And mint is particularly rewarding for beginners because it grows readily and can be harvested frequently.
Your Everyday Garden Harvest
I think that's what makes herbs so satisfying. You don't have to wait for a giant harvest. You don't need a bushel basket. You don't even need a recipe. You can simply walk outside and take a little bit. A sprig. A leaf. A few snips. A mini-harvest every day. And that little bit of green can make your meal or drink feel fresher, more flavorful and more connected to the garden.
A GardenWise Thought
A garden doesn't have to produce a bushel to be useful. Sometimes a single sprig of rosemary, a few leaves of mint, or a little snip of chives is enough to bring the garden to the table—and a little joy to the day.
