I started my gardening hobby (obsession) a few years ago, focusing solely on flowers & shrubs. Now I'd love to branch out, first with an herb garden as I just LOVE cooking with fresh herbs, and perhaps next year with a vegetable garden.
Problem is, I'm clueless. Any tips for a beginner? I want to start small, maybe just a few staples (basil, parsley, rosemary, etc), and I know there are multiple types of those to add to my confusion, lol.
Ideally, I'd like keep the herb garden on the deck outside my kitchen. That way I'd have easy access for collecting and for watering. My deck is on the northwest side of my house, and one chunk of it gets several hours of direct sun.
I really can't afford to make a huge investment now. So what type of containers should I use? Regular planters? Self-watering? I've seen ads for grow-bags, but I don't know if they're really any good.
Also, how do I keep the local wildlife out without looking like I'm setting up a barricade, or do I just resign myself to a cage of some sort? I know the critters like greens and veggies, but not sure whether they go for herbs.
I realize this is a pretty open-ended question, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
--Marcy
Want to start an herb garden
Marcy,
Herbs are so easy to grow. Many are easy to start from seeds but it might be a good idea to wait until Spring since some will bolt in the summer heat. One large pot with good potting soil and good drainage can grow all the herbs you will need for cooking.
If you are buying plants, I would start with basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, and parsley. Four to six hours of morning sun is all you will need. Go light on fertilizer since you can get vigorous plants with little flavor. The ones I have listed make a beautiful pot. Below is a web site that might be of some help to you.
Good luck !
http://www.backyardgardener.com/herb/index.html#herb
I will agree ~ herbs are easy to grow. I'd pick up seeds and/or plants of those you already use. Use cheap plastic pots or recycled containers to begin with and a good potting soil. I also agree on the fertilizer ~ limited use on herbals.
I think you will have time to sprout and use the basils which are an annual. Also look for seed for oregano which is perennial. Rosemary and lemon balm (both perennials) are easier to begin with in plant form. You may have to offer winter protection for the perennial pots as the roots will be more exposed to freezing temps in pots. Even herbals like bay ~ Laurus nobilis can be kept in a container.
There are many options once you get started. I don't think you will have problems with wildlife bothering your herbs. The only ones I know are catnip and valerian if you have cats in the neighborhood. Good luck!
Great info. Thanks so much!
Cilantro is good in the cool weather, if you like cilantro. And it will self-seed, believe me! Also, I've found that if you plant stevia, it grows from the roots. Yum. Chew that with a little chocolate mint and it's like a peppermint patty!
And harvest before they flower!
I planted Stevia this year and I am amazed at how sweet it is. I have many friends that are diabetic and would like to know if there are any known side effects to using it. I know that you can cook the leaves in water to make the liquid sweetener but do you know any more ways of using it ? Is it a perennial ? Thanks for any help.
It's a perennial here! I bet it's as hot there as it is here; we had quite a cold winter (for us) and it didn't destroy it. Apparently it spreads by the roots. I planted one little plant a couple of years ago, and I have quite a few all around it now. When I brew herbal tea I crush a leaf and toss it in with the other herbs and it sweetens it right up.
I really don't know about side effects; I'm one of those who honestly cannot ingest aspartame (headaches and rashes aren't worth it) but I haven't noticed anything from the stevia.
Thanks for all the tips! I've started with pretty much all the herbs everyone suggested, which makes sense as those are the ones I most often use when cooking.
I will definitely try stevia. I've seen it packaged in stores and wondered about it. I have such a sweet tooth!
Oh it is very hot here, brig.,98 today with the heat index of 108. We also had a very cold winter. Sounds like a set-up for a hurricane to me. Thanks for the good info.