Summer is the perfect time to start a herb garden, not only do they bring beautiful greenery to your garden, and pleasant aromas to your outdoor space, they also add vibrant flavours to your meals! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing your own herbs can be a rewarding and straightforward project.
Creating a herb garden in your garden can be done in various ways, depending on your space, design preferences, and the types of herbs you want to grow. Here are some different methods to make a herb garden:
Traditional In-Ground Herb Garden
Select a sunny spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Prepare the soil by adding compost to improve the condition and drainage.
Plan for pathways and plant taller herbs at the back or centre, with shorter ones in front.
Space herbs according to their growth habits and water regularly.
Raised Bed Herb Garden
Using raised beds to grow herbs is a great idea for those short on space and time as this arrangement offers better control over soil quality and drainage.
You can construct a raised bed using wood, bricks, or buy them fully assembled here, we have lots of different options available. If you’re making your own aim for a height of 6-12 inches.
Use a high-quality garden compost to fill the raised bed, and then arrange herbs based on their sunlight and spacing needs.
Container Herb Garden
Herbs grow well in pots or containers, and this is the ideal solution for small spaces or patios.
Choose pots and containers with good drainage holes, fill with a quality potting mix, and either place herbs in individual pots or group several in a larger container.
Place containers in a sunny location and remember to keep them watered during hot spells.
Choose Your Herbs
Select herbs that you frequently use in cooking and that thrive in summer. Here are some popular choices:
Basil:
Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs, perfect for adding fresh flavour to a variety of dishes. Growing basil at home is easy and rewarding, especially during the summer months. You can start basil from seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date and transplant them into your herb garden or buy potted plants here that will be ready to harvest sooner. If your planting basil on the kitchen windowsill remember that these plants prefer large pots, not only to provide space for growth but they also retain moisture between waterings. Basil prefers slightly moist soil, and soil in small pots will quickly dry up if left out in the hot sun all day.
Tips
- Use sharp scissors or plant cutters to harvest, cutting about 1/2 inch above a new set of leaves at the node, harvesting from just above the third node of each stem, helps to encourage the plant to grow two new branches at that spot.
- Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth, pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and to delay (bolting) flowering.
- Basil is susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew, ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity and the risk of fungal issues.
- Avoid planting basil next to plants like rue and sage, which can inhibit its growth.
Recipe Ideas
There are several varieties of basil, each with its own unique flavour and use, such as Sweet Basil, the most common type, Lemon Basil which offers a citrusy note and Purple Basil which adds colour and a slightly spicy flavour to dishes, all are great for great for salads, pesto, and Italian dishes.
Basil Pesto
Blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a classic Italian sauce.
Thyme
Thyme is another versatile and aromatic herb that enhances many culinary dishes and adds beauty to your garden. It’s relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
Thyme seeds are tiny and can take a while to germinate, so you can either grow from cuttings or we stock potted plants here that will be ready to harvest sooner.
Thyme thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that is ideally sandy or rocky. Thyme is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly until the plant is established, then water only when the soil is dry.
Tips
- Regularly trim thyme to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming woody.
- Trim back by about one-third in early spring.
- Thyme is prone to fungal diseases if overwatered or if there is poor air circulation.
- It helps repel certain pests, making it a good companion for cabbage and tomatoes.
- Avoid planting thyme near plants that prefer consistently moist soil, such as basil.
Recipe Ideas
Thyme is a staple in many cuisines, use it in soups, stews, marinades, and roasted meats.
Lemon Thyme Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh thyme, garlic, and bake.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant and flavourful herb that adds a delightful aroma to your garden and a savoury taste to your culinary creations. While it thrives in warm, sunny climates, it can also be grown successfully in pots indoors.
Common Rosemary is the most widely available variety, with upright growth and needle-like leaves. Rosemary thrives in full sun in well-drained soil that is ideally sandy or loamy. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions and is drought-tolerant once established, rosemary is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains consistently wet.
Tips
- Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages bushier growth. Trim the stems lightly after flowering or once a year in spring.
- Good companions for rosemary are herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage. It can also repel certain pests when planted alongside vegetables like cabbage and carrots.
- Rosemary can be grown indoors in containers placed in a sunny window. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Recipe Ideas
Ideal for roasting and grilling.
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary, then roast until golden.
Mint
Mint is a vigorous herb known for its refreshing flavour and aromatic leaves. It’s relatively easy to grow, but its rapid spreading nature requires some care to prevent it from taking over your garden.
There are several types of mint, such as Spearmint with a sweet and mild flavour, Peppermint has a much stronger flavour, and Chocolate mint that offers a subtle chocolate flavour.
Mint thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it prefers cooler temperatures, plant it where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
We have potted mint ready and available to plant today, mint is also easily propagated from stem cuttings, simply cut a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist soil until roots develop.
Tips
- Growing mint in containers can help contain its invasive growth and prevent it from spreading uncontrollably in the garden.
- Divide established mint plants every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and encourage healthy growth.
- Mint prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Harvest mint leaves as needed by snipping them off with scissors or pinching them off with your fingers. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow for regrowth.
- For the best flavour, harvest mint leaves in the morning when their essential oils are most concentrated.
- Mint pairs well with vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage, as well as other herbs like basil and parsley. It can help repel pests like aphids and cabbage moths.
Recipe Ideas
Use mint leaves fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including salads, beverages, sauces, and desserts. It pairs well with lamb, peas, tomatoes, and chocolate.
Mint Lemonade
Blend fresh mint leaves with lemon juice, sugar, and water for a refreshing summer drink.
Parsley
Whether you’re growing it in the garden or in pots indoors, parsley is relatively easy to cultivate with the right care. It’s the perfect herb for adding freshness to a wide range of dishes too!
Parsley seeds can be slow to germinate, so soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting to speed up the process or pick up some potted parsley here that you can plant and harvest from right away.
Parsley thrives in partial shade to full sun in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water parsley regularly, especially during dry periods, to prevent the soil from drying out.
Regularly trim parsley leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too soon. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.
Tips
- Parsley grows well with vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. It can also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
- Keep parsley away from plants that produce ethylene gas, such as apples and bananas, as it can cause parsley leaves to turn yellow prematurely.
- Harvest parsley leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prolong the plant’s lifespan.
Recipe Ideas
Versatile for garnishes and seasoning.
Tabbouleh
A Middle Eastern salad made with parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb that thrives in a sunny spot and is also drought-tolerant once established. Regularly pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is at least 4-5 inches tall. Cut stems just above a leaf node to promote new growth.
Tips
- Harvest leaves in the morning for the best flavour.
- Oregano is a great companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and basil.
- It can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
Recipe Ideas
Excellent for Mediterranean dishes, especially pizza and pasta sauces.
Greek Salad
Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and oregano with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Sage
Sage is a hardy, low-maintenance herb with attractive grey-green leaves and purple-blue flowers, it requires minimal care once established and is drought tolerant too! Regularly prune to encourage bushier growth and trim back the stems by a third in the early spring to promote new growth. Sage prefers well-draining soil in a sunny location. We have many varieties of sage available in the plant area.
Tips
- Sage grows well in containers, use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant sage near carrots, cabbage, and beans. Sage helps repel cabbage moths and carrot flies.
- Sage flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Water sage moderately, allow the soil to dry out between watering, sage is drought-tolerant and too much moisture can cause root rot.
Recipe Ideas
Wonderful in stuffing, soups, and with meats.
Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Melt butter until it browns, then add fresh sage leaves and pour over pasta or gnocchi.
Chives
Chives are hardy perennials, returning year after year with minimal care. Chives thrive in a sunny location with well-drained soil. When growing chives, it’s important to remember to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. This aromatic herb also attracts pollinators like bees with their attractive purple flowers, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem and improving the pollination of nearby plants.
Tips
- Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.
- Chives can be brought indoors during colder spells.
- Chives make excellent companion plants for carrots, tomatoes, and roses but should be kept away from beans and peas.
- Every 2-3 years, divide the clumps to rejuvenate the plants and propagate new ones.
- Use fresh chives in a variety of dishes, freeze or dry them for later use.
Recipe Ideas
Great for adding a mild onion flavour to dishes.
Chive Cream Cheese Spread
Mix chopped chives into softened cream cheese and spread on bagels or crackers.
Tips for a Successful Herb Garden
- Start small, if you are new to gardening, begin with a small plot or a few containers this makes it easier to manage and learn.
- Use containers to prevent invasive herbs like mint spreading uncontrollably.
- Label your herbs, use markers to label your herbs. This helps in identifying them, especially when they are young and look similar.
- Companion planting, some herbs benefit from being planted near certain vegetables or other herbs, for instance basil enhances the flavour of tomatoes and helps repel pests.
- Succession planting, for annual herbs like dill, plant seeds every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Enjoy the Process
Gardening is a learning experience, enjoy the process of watching your herbs grow and experimenting with different varieties and techniques. We are always looking to add new and exciting herb varieties to our collection, so please do drop by Root One to see what’s new!
By following these steps and tips, you can create a thriving herb garden that provides fresh, flavourful herbs for your culinary needs. As always if you need any further guidance or advice our dedicated and knowledgeable team are always on hand to help.
Happy planting!