How to Grow Your Own Herbs

How to Grow Your Own Herbs

If you want to take your cooking to the next level, fresh herbs are the right choice. There are so many fresh herbs that can be used to zip up your food.

Whether it is cilantro for a salad, mint in a beautiful pesto or a muddling of fresh basil in a lemonade or cocktail, fresh herbs are a great way to increase the flavour profile of any dish. The cost of them though can be quite alarming so I am showing you today How to Grow Your Own Herbs. 

Having fresh herbs at your fingertips isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Growing your own herbs is a great way to ensure that you always have that freshness to add to any of your dishes.

Know What You Want

The first thing to consider when starting your own herb garden is to know what kind of herbs you will use the most of. What style of food you normally cook will determine the best herbs for you. If you will be starting from scratch with your herb garden, you will need to plant seeds.

While planting seeds is a cheaper avenue than purchasing an already established plant, it takes a lot of effort and knowledge. It may be easier to start with a plant that is already blossoming, especially if you are a beginner.

How long you want to have access to the plants is also something that you will need to think about. Some herbs like Basil, Cilantro and Dill will only bloom for one season, causing you to have to purchase another plant the following summer. Chives, Mint, Fennel and Tarragon are the most cost-effective herbs to grow because they are perennials and can bloom seasonally.

Plan the Location 

Most gardening experts will be able to give you some insight as to which plants will survive best in the environment you are planning to plant them in. Some herbs succeed well outdoors with lots of light, where as some prefer to remain indoors in the shade.

Prepare the Equipment

The next step to getting your fresh herb garden to thrive is to procure the proper equipment. Decide if you will be keeping your herbs in a pot or the garden. If you are planning on using a pot you will want to ensure that you have clay containers that allow 8 inches per plant, avoiding overcrowding.

Soil and fertilizer is also a must if you are choosing to pot your herbs. A saucer for the bottom of the pot is a good idea if you will be keeping your herbs on a surface that requires protecting.

Give Them TLC

The majority of plants require at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, make sure that you have determined the sunlight needs for each individual plant you purchase, also considering the temperature.

Move your plants to the shade on those exceptionally hot days and make sure to check the dryness of the soil frequently. Water your plants whenever the soil seems dry to the touch.

Growing your own fresh herbs can be a great way to amp up any meal you create. Get started today with your herb growing adventures, just in time for Spring.