Herb Gardening For Beginners

Herb gardening is easy even for beginners since most herbs are relatively easy to grow. I started out with just one artimesia herb plant twenty years ago and now have over an acre of herbs that I use mainly for crafting wreaths and making dried floral arrangements. I have learned a lot about growing herbs in those years and have five tips listed below that will help any beginner herb gardener get off to a great start. These tips might also teach the pros a thing or two. Lets start with the basics.

Basically, herbs may be divided into two groups. They are either annuals or perennials. Annual herbs need to be planted each year since they only grow for one season. Perennial herbs come back each year. One definition of a perennial that I love is: "A perennial is a plant that comes back year after year... if it lives!" Now, lets take a closer look at these two categories of herbs.

First, lets talk about annual herbs. The cheapest way to have a lot of these types of herbs is to start them from seed. Sowing either directly outside after the last frost date, or inside four to six weeks before the last frost date is recommended on the packets. The other options are to buy your herbs as small plants each year at garden center, or you may find more unusual varieties online. If you are really blessed, you may even be able to get a free plant from a fellow herb gardener who is dividing some of their herbs. Some of the easiest annuals to grow are sweet basil, anise, borage, chervil, coriander, dill, fennel, and summer savory.

Next, lets talk about perennial herbs. Herbs like mint, rosemary, lemon balm, chives and oregano are a good choice for your first herb garden. Other perennials herbs that do well are lovage, hyssop, lavender, sage, sweet marjoram, sweet woodruff, tarragon, and thyme. One of my absolute favorite perennial herbs to grow and dry for crafting is yarrow.

Now that you know the basics, following the tips below will make you a real pro in no time.

Herb Gardening For Beginners - Five Tips To Success

Choose a site with at least six hours of sunlight.

Choose an area with good drainage and moderate temperatures.

Avoid sites where the soil is too wet or too dry which indicates too much clay or sand.

Amend soils with organic matter after having your soil tested.

Use only hand-picking and insecticidal soaps to control occasional insect problems.

Herb gardening for beginners is easy with these tips. Go ahead and give it a try and you might just find yourself on a wonderful life long journey into the world of herbs.