A How-To Guide to Growing Herbs

Fresh herbs can add immense flavor to your cooking. And growing herbs is far easier than you think. In fact, in just a few hours, you can be enjoying herbs from your very own garden.

Where Should I Plant My Herb Garden?

Planning where to plant your herbs is an important first step in learning how to grow herbs. If you have the space, you can plant herbs directly in your vegetable or flower garden. In fact, many herbs will grow on the edge of your existing garden with minimal extra effort. Herbs also grow easily in containers, and many people prefer this method to planting directly in the ground.

They take up less space, are easily transported, and can be used to add decoration and fragrance to your porch or balcony. Containers also provide better drainage for herbs than planting in a traditional garden. Herbs can be planted in nearly any container that has a hole for drainage. You can also purchase containers designed specifically for herbs, which are usually made to fit on a windowsill.

What Herbs Should I Plant?

Choosing which herbs to plant in your garden is as simple as deciding what you regularly use in your cooking. Think about what types of meals you prepare, and choose herbs accordingly. How to grow herbs for your cooking style can be as simple as looking through the recipes you prepare most often, and planting the herbs that you use most regularly. You can also plant herbs that go with the style of cooking you do most often. For example, cilantro is common in Mexican food; oregano and basil is a staple in Italian cooking. And parsley and thyme go well with most foods.

How Do I Get Started?

How to start to grow herbs is as simple as a trip to your local garden or home improvement store. After you select your container, you will want to select several herb varieties to grow, as well as a bag of potting soil. If you are planning on keeping your herb garden inside, you can start with seeds; however, it is much easier to buy herb plants that have already sprouted. Herbs that are already sprouted will come with directions on how to grow the herbs; follow the directions on the plant package, and carefully plant your herbs in the container. Water thoroughly and you are ready to go.

How Do I Care for My Herb Garden?

Caring for your herb garden is simple. In fact, the easiest part of how to grow herbs is caring for them. Your herbs need plenty of sunlight and water. Make sure that the soil stays moist (you can tell simply by touching the soil to ensure that it is wet). Water your herb garden whenever the soil feels dry to the touch; in warm climates, this might be as often as twice a day.