The Ultimate Guide to Herb Gardening at Home

Growing herbs at home can make your cooking better and add some nice smells to your house while also making your garden look nicer. No matter if you have a big yard or a small space inside you can make herb gardening work for you. In this guide we will look at how to start your own herb garden pick the best herbs and take care of your plants so you can enjoy a good harvest.

Picking the Best Place

The beginning of your herb gardening adventure is picking the right spot. Many herbs do well in the sun and need around six to eight hours of direct light each day. A bright windowsill is great for growing plants inside. If you have a small outdoor area you might want to try growing plants up instead of out using stacked planters or hanging baskets for herbs.

Choosing Your Herbs

New gardeners could try growing tough herbs that are simple to take care of such as basil rosemary mint and thyme. These need very little care and provide a steady amount of new leaves. If you want to try something different you might think about growing lemongrass cilantro or tarragon.

Collecting what you need to get started

If you want to start your herb garden here is what you will need:
Choose a soil blend that drains well and has plenty of organic matter.
Make sure there are holes at the bottom so water doesn't build up.
Tools for gardening: You really need a little trowel and some pruning shears.
A watering can or a hose: To water it regularly.

Growing Your Herbs

Soak your herbs in water for a couple of hours before you plant them. When you move seedlings to the ground, make a hole that is bigger than the root ball. Put the seedlings in the hole and then cover them with soil. When you begin with seeds make sure to check the instructions on the packet for how deep to plant them and how far apart they should be.

How to take care of your herbs by giving them water and food

Herbs usually need only a little water to grow well. Regularly check the moisture in the soil by sticking your finger in it. If you dig about an inch down it should feel a little moist but not soaked. The best time to water your plants is in the early morning because it helps reduce evaporation. You might want to put some mulch down to help keep the moisture in. Using compost or a natural fertilizer every few weeks will help your herbs stay strong and healthy.

Gathering and upkeep

To make herbs last longer you need to pick them at the right time. Trimming your plants helps them grow better and stops them from blooming which can make the herbs taste bad. Grab some sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut the stems while making sure to leave enough leaves for new growth.

Handling Pests and Diseases

Herbs can keep a lot of pests away but sometimes they still get infested. Insecticidal soap that is safe for plants can keep pests such as aphids away. Make sure air can flow around the plants to help prevent fungal issues by not planting them too close together and giving them enough space.

Here are some ideas for growing herbs inside your home.

If you have an indoor garden and there isn't enough sunlight you might want to think about using grow lights. Amazon offers a lot of choices for growing herbs. Keep the air moist by spraying your plants with water or using a humidifier close by. Moving potted plants around each week helps them get the same amount of light which is good for their growth.

Last Ideas

Starting an herb garden can be a fun experience. You get fresh ingredients for cooking and it adds some nice greenery to your space. If you plan ahead and use the right techniques, anyone can grow herbs well even if they don't have much space. Begin with a few plants and take your time and before long you will have a lively herb garden that brings you joy.