Starting an Herb Garden

My wife and I have decided to take one of our deck wine 1/2 barrels and make an herb garden for the kitchen. We have a full sun location and some seeds: genovese basil , oregano, garlic chives, single parsley and common thyme.

At the risk of gaining more wisdom, I am wondering when to start this? I am thinking of just planting the seeds directly on the soil and letting them sprout as they may. Is that a wrong way to proceed?

As to dividing up the barrel, I am thinking of giving about 1/4 to the basil for pesto. The rest would would evenly divide the rest of the area. Thoughts on dividing space? How about just letting them intergrow in a chaotic herbfest?

Thoughts on other herbs that I have not gotten? I have a giant rosemary bush in my front yard, and lavender will be grown along one side of the vege garden.

Rob

AD - do you have room for 2 additional containers - (not necessarily the 1/2 whiskey barrel size)? If so, you might consider planting the Oregano and the Thyme separately, as they will take over the whiskey barrel space.
Garlic chives, Basil & Parsley could all go into the barrel planter, depending on how much Basil...I start my Basil end of April/early May for planting out. I don't direct seed as the slugs seem to know its exact location - apparently they have fine culinary taste, too.

Parsley: Biennial; rich soil; I just sowed - it can go out soon.
Garlic chives: Perennial; I winter sowed these without protection, as an experiment. They are up & running.
Basil: tender annual; germination is usually about 7 days or so; temperature preference (night time) consistently above 50°.
Rosemary: perennial; preference for an extremely lean, well-draining soil. This is a sub-shrub and you may want to give this one its own container, too. Or - in ground, Most do well down to Zone 7; 'ARP' is one that is hardy to zone 5.

You can buy basil at the grocery store, with the roots still on it, in the organic produce section. It grows great! Have some in the greenhouse right now.
Personally, all my herbs I bought as starts at different nurseries. They are so cheap, it made it easier for me. If you are going to the plant swap at JBuresh's house, I can send up some greek oregano for you. I have a nice patch of that and am happy to send some with Rachel. Also, there are many, many flavors of thyme. Once you start getting into herbs, there is almost no limit.
But I second the motion that you need more space than one barrel. I would also consider having dill and sage. Maybe curry plant. It has a terrific smell. If you like tea, lemon verbena is wonderful. It really smells like lemon, but it's tender. I overwinter mine in the greenhouse.
Dave's probably has an entire forum on herbs.

I have started a few different herbs inside under lights, and most are doing great, but I got zero wtih my Oregano seeds. Is there anything special I was supposed to do in prep for planting it? I thought the parlsey would give me problems, but it is coming up great. AD, I think you are I are doing the same things in our yards right now, because I am finding all your questions are the same ones I have, so these answers are all great! Thanks!

catgal-I planted Greek oregano seeds 5 or 6 years ago and I've still got one hearty plant from those seeds.I just let them all grow in one clump.I split the clump 3 years ago when I moved to town.

Hey Rob! Kayte is right, the thyme would fill one of those barrels easy, especially if you water with compost tea, and I know you will!! I would plant oregano and thyme in 12" pots along side the barrel, as for the barrel plant the rest around and put something big in the middle, like sweet onionsor how about putting a pole in the center and grow some pole beans? Give it some pizaz!

I have some regular Chives, that need to be divided, any takers?

Also, on the basil... there are all different kinds. I am growing three different ones right now, sprite, itialian, and thai... I have extra seeds if you are interested in them :o) AnjL

Thanks Ned! I think I got the wrong type of Oregano, from what I am reading now I believe I need to get special culinary (greek) oregano, I am guessing I just got common Oregano that will taste like nothing (if it even germinates for me)... serves me right for buying cheap seeds.

tills, I would love some chives! :) I couldn't get over there anytime soon though, but would it be possible to get some on the 27th, at that gathering? I am still trying to work things out so I can make it.

No problem, even if you can't make it (which I so wish you can) I will pot it up with the others and you can pick them up at the store, after I get back from Vac.
And come up with a want list so all can see it, maybe someone out there just might have it. ^_^
Tills

I've not had good luck buying seeds off a rack in a store.If they're dated ,then you can make sure you get fresh seeds.I usually order from seed dealers & nurseries.Horizon Herbs & Territorial Seed are good ones.

Catgal, if you do end up going to the swap and you want some greek oregano, let me know and I'll send some up for you.