The answer to taking your culinary and hosting skills to the next level is just waiting to be planted in your backyard. Michelin-star chefs and at-home cooks all agree herbs have the power to liven up any old dish or co*cktail with a complex, fresh flavor. So why haven't you grown your own yet?
Don't be frightened by the thought; herbs tend to be a low-maintenance, high-reward crop that even the newest of green thumbs can handle. As if you were planting fragrant rose bushes or stately boxwoods, success lies in the prep work and research done to ensure you are giving your plant exactly what it needs to grow. Start small with one or two starter plants in containers to get into the groove of caring for these flavor powerhouses. Before you know it, a whole patch of your abundant vegetable garden will be dedicated just to your most-beloved herbs.
If you're ready to get to planting, we've got plenty of ideas to ensure each herb thrives. Here is VERANDA's guide to starting your own bountiful herb garden.
Research Your Herbs
Figure out what herbs you would like to have readily on hand before picking up any garden tool. If you tend to cook a lot, think about growing the herbs you reach for the most. Varieties such as basil and parsley are popular because they have a variety of uses in the kitchen while being easy to grow.
It's also fun to plant one or two herbs you are less familiar with and challenge yourself to find unexpected ways to work with them. Experts at local garden shops or nurseries also can give insight into what herbs may fair better in your region and give advice on how to ensure each plant fully develops. Think of this as the research stage in which you're studying up on your future plants' needs.
Find the Perfect Location
There's a misconception that all herbs require full sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive. That may be true for kitchen garden favorites such as dill, chervil, and cilantro, but there are a few herbs like mint and thyme which need more dappled sunlight. When selecting the location of your herb garden, look for areas in your garden that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day to plant most of your herbs. For those shade-loving herbs, consider placing them closer to other vegetables that prefer partial sun.
Containers are a great option for those with limited green space or even attempting to garden on an apartment balcony. The key is to ensure the planters drain efficiently to avoid the chance of root rot. Also, herbs don't typically grow elaborate root systems which means the pots can be on the smaller size.
Prep the Soil
Horticulturists and gardeners often recommend planting herbs in "lean" soil. What that means is the soil shouldn't be overly rich in organic matter. Many herbs originate from the hillsides of the Mediterranean region which has less nutrient-rich soil. Slightly sandy soil with the addition of compost and neutral potting soil provides a solid foundation for the garden. Avoid composted manure as it tends to be high in nitrogen which caused herbs to grow quicker but lose flavor.
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Get to Planting
There are two routes 0ne can take when comes to planting herbs. The first includes simply going to a local nursery and picking up a starter herb to sow straight into the ground. Be sure the hole is as deep as the original container it came in to ensure the roots have plenty of room to grow. Simply fill in around the plant, lightly pat down, and water well.
For those up for a little more of a challenge, consider planting your herbs from seed. This is where all the research you've done on your herbs comes into play. The optimal time for sowing certain seeds changes depending on where you live; consult your local gardening expert to find out when the planting should happen to ensure the herbs fully mature. In general, you should place at least 2 to 5 seeds into each spot as not every seed will germinate. As one would with starter herbs, gently cover the hole and mist with water. Seedlings can start popping up through the ground as early as a week later.
Maintain the Garden
Care for herbs can change depending on the variety, but gardeners recommend performing a few simple tasks that can benefit the overall well-being of the garden. Check daily to see if the plants need watering and give them a light drink if the top inch of soil is dry. Herbs planted in containers tend to need watering more often.
Gardeners also encourage everyone to pinch their plants. Pinching refers to a type of pruning where you lightly take the tender new growth off the top of the stem. The act allows the dormant leaf buds lower on the stem to sprout. Basil, in particular, responds well to this technique.
Enjoy Your Harvest
The last and possibly best part of growing your own garden is the harvest. Herbs tend to grow thicker when harvest frequently so don't be afraid to fully enjoy your bounty. Try to snip sections of the herb at a time rather than picking off the leaves as the plant tends to recuperate faster and better from this method. Now, go enjoy your fragrant herbs to their fullest!
Sarah DiMarco
Associate Editor
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.
