The Basics of Starting a Mini Herb Garden

By Oliver Johnson

So you’ve never grown a garden before. That’s OK. What better time to start than now. Getting started is not some complex process and doesn’t require reading books upon books of material. The best way to learn is to learn as you go. My suggestion is to start with a potted herb garden which is exactly what this article is devoted to.

The first thing to learn, when starting a potted herb garden, is what type of pot to use. Although any type of container will work, I advise starting with non-glazed clay pots. Clay pots allow more airflow than other containers. If you do decide to use some other type of container be sure that you have some sort of water drainage hole.

If you provide the exact same conditions as a plant’s natural environment, it will thrive. This is the goal for any gardener. And this is also why soil is going to be one of the most important subjects for a new gardener to understand. Although this same concept is true for potted gardens there are a few important facts to note.

In a normal garden, water will drain through the soil and just keep on going. In a pot, however, the water drains until it encounters the bottom. Regular soil is heavy and will slow water flow. This is why a potted plant needs potting soil. Potting soil is designed to be light and very nutritious. There is a lot to learn when it comes to soil but for starters, trust your instincts. A good soil should feel light and rich.

When you go to the store to purchase soil, don’t buy the cheapest brand you can find. Although buying good soil is a little more money up front you can keep using it. Get your self a good plastic bin and when your done with the soil just dump it in the bin. When you decide to reuse it add a little compost and you’re ready to go.

Now that you have a few good pots and some soil it’s time to buy your plants. Go to your local nursery and start exploring. If you don’t have any clue which plants to start with, go for the cooking basics. Here is my list of the best culinary herbs for starters: basil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, mint, parsley, sage, tarragon, and thyme. All these plants can easily be started from seeds or can be bought as plants from your nursery.

If you decide to plant seeds, fill up a pot with dirt and follow the directions on the package. If you bought plants from the nursery, remember to be careful and not damage it when removing it from the pot. Carefully break up the roots a little before setting it in the soil so they aren’t “root bound.” Fill in around the plant and lightly pack the soil around the roots.

All that’s left is to place your plants in a sunny location and remember to water them often.

Oliver Johnson loves the outdoors and gardening. He also enjoys sharing what he knows about herb gardening. For more great information about soil, water, and what herbs to plant in a mini herb garden visit herbgardeningmagic.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Johnson

Chuck Hendershot is an Exit Realty Group NJ real estate expert in Bernardsville.