Hi,
My girlfriend and I are about to start a herb garden in pots, then progress to "in the ground" plantings. Although we have hundeds of questions, our initial inquiry is to the amount of direct sunlight our potted hebs will require. Our current location will warrant direct sunlight after 1pm until sundown. Do you feel this will suffice, or shall we start looking for a different location? We plan on starting with Chives, mint, basil, cilantro, and all will be current herbs (not from seeds). Thanks in advance for your asssitance.
New to Herb Gardening
Oh, you'll have fun with your new herbs!
I have creeping thyme in a location that gets about that much sun, and it does fine. Actually, since you are in FL, I suspect your herbs may appreciate having a break from the sun... I've heard people in TX talk about putting herbs and other "full sun" plants where they get half day sun, so I'll bet that'll work out fine. You'll need to keep an eye on your pots with that strong FL afternoon sun, though... although most herbs (not basil) will tolerate more dry conditions, they'll grow better if they get regular water... so you'll probably need to water your pots every day, even if you add polymer moisture crystals (a good idea for any container planting, IMO).
Bigger pots will also help keep them from drying out too quickly... you might consider doing combination plantings in really large containers rather than trying to keep a bunch of herbs happy in 6 or 8 inch pots. Besides, herb combinations can be really pretty.... think "thriller, filler, spiller" as for other container designs, put a taller plant (rosemary, lavender, sage) toward the back or center of the container, fill in with mounding herbs like oregano, and let trailing herbs (many varieties of thyme, prostrate rosemary, etc) spill over the edge.
Great information "critter". We do appreciate the information and feel a better about starting our project.
For others who are reading this thread, we welcome additional replies as we will be checking this post on a daily basis. Thanks again.
I just re-read the list of herbs you're planning to start with. Unless you're planning to divide it regularly, I'd suggest putting your mint into a 12 inch pot (10 inch at least)... it'll grow faster than you think, sending out runners and filling the pot both above and below the surface. Mint does very well in a pot if it gets sufficient moisture (which reminds me, in addition to the polymer crystals I also wanted to mention to avoid using clay pots that dry out too quickly... if you like the look of clay, use them with an inner liner pot, like a plastic nursery pot), but it doesn't like getting overly pot-bound. If it starts looking puny (smaller leaves, maybe a little yellowing), tip it out of the pot and see if it's grown into a solid mass of roots below the surface -- if so, it's time to divide and repot.
With all herbs, the more you harvest, the better they will grow! Snip off the outer leaves from your clump of chives (they're best when still small and tender... try snipping them into bits and mixing into cottage cheese). The general rule of thumb on other herbs is to harvest 1/3 the length of a branch or stem. With basils, regular harvest will help keep them from flowering (which makes the leaves bitter)... pinch off the stems so as to leave just 2 pairs of leaves on a branch/stem. With many herbs, if you look at the base of a pair of leaves, you'll see tiny sets of leaves beginning to form.... when you pinch the stem above the leaves, these tiny leaves will grow into new stems... so repeated harvesting will make your plants bushy and full.
Besides, regular harvesting means a regular supply of herbs to add to your meals... and fresh herbs make such a difference when you cook! :-)
Welcome to herbs! I can tell you are nibbling and like the rest of us will soon be hooked.
Yes, Critterologist is right. If a plant says full sun, they don't mean in the south. Unless you are in a northern part of Fl, I would provide evening shade. By growing herbs in pots, you will be able to relocate them as the summer heats up.
Herbs do require alot of water in summer and larger pots will help reduce the amount needed. Also consider mulching the pots to help retain moisture.
DG member Kanita has a cool herb garden located in pots, on shepherd hooks and she uses self watering pots. Really unique and easy to tend. http://davesgarden.com/place/fp.php?pid=3537059 Wouldn't you like to get in this photo and nibble and smell.... LOL
Another DGr, Brigidlily is doing an herb garden in her limited shade yard and providing her own shade by plantings of roses and building arbors... http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/675791/
Stick with us, you will get lots of ideas and be sorely tempted. I know I was... : )) pod
Here in NV, even though we are z6b, in the summer we spend most of our temps up above 95*F - even the "sun lovers" like some shade in July. By the way, herbs are pretty easy to start by seed, so if your nursery doesn't carry what you are looking for, try looking for seeds. Good luck!
PS Garlic cloves from the supermarket stuck in the dirt and grown like chives make great garlic "greens" for putting on/in anything you might like chives for.
Ok, I think I have to go run my fingers through some lemon basil, now. Take care, you all!