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Herb Gardening
The word "herb" comes from the Latin herba, which means "grass" or "green crop". Today, we use the term to describe non-woody (herbaceous) plants that are valued for their medicinal, savory or aromatic qualities. Certain herbs also exhibit pesticidal properties and some can be used as coloring agents (dyes). The ancient Chinese documented the use of herbs as far back as 2500 BC. That is proof enough of the herb’s longevity and importance to gardeners. For today's gardeners, herbs can be combined with annuals and perennials for fragrance, tucked into rock gardens for colorful contrast, included in container plantings, and incorporated into shrub borders. Their uses are limitless!
LOCATION AND SOIL
As a general rule, the most favorable exposure for an herb garden is toward the south. If you don’t have southern exposure, try to give the herbs the sunniest spots in the garden; places where shade from trees, buildings or fences cannot reach them. This is because the development of the oils, upon which the flavoring of most of the herbs mainly depends, is best in full sunshine and the plants have more substance than when grown in the shade.
As a general rule, the most favorable exposure for an herb garden is toward the south. If you don’t have southern exposure, try to give the herbs the sunniest spots in the garden; places where shade from trees, buildings or fences cannot reach them. This is because the development of the oils, upon which the flavoring of most of the herbs mainly depends, is best in full sunshine and the plants have more substance than when grown in the shade.
When selecting the site for your herb garden, consider drainage and soil fertility. Drainage is probably the most important single factor in successful herb growing. No herbs will grow successfully in wet soils. If the garden area is poorly drained, you will need to amend the soil. To improve drainage at the planting site, remove the soil to a depth of 15 to 18 inches. Thoroughly mix in a generous amount of soil conditioner, mushroom compost or planting soil with the native soil. Then, refill the beds higher than the original level to encourage better drainage and allow for some settling of the soil.
The soil at the site does not have to be especially fertile, so little fertilizer should be used. Generally, highly fertile soil tends to produce excessive amounts of foliage with poor flavor.
After planting, pay special attention to the watering needs of the new plants until they become established. Annual herbs often require more water than perennial herbs, such as thyme and lavender, which prefer a drier soil. It is a good idea to plan your garden by grouping plants with similar water needs together or near each other.
ENHANCING YOUR GARDEN
What are your design preferences: Cottage-style, formal knot, or a style all your own? Whichever you choose to implement, here are a few tips to guide you through the process:
What are your design preferences: Cottage-style, formal knot, or a style all your own? Whichever you choose to implement, here are a few tips to guide you through the process:
Low-growing or creeping types that can soften stepping stones, walkways, or edges in a planter: Thyme, oregano, chamomile, Corsican mint, sweet woodruff, Irish or Scotch moss, and pennyroyal.
Herbs with shrubby upright habits for edging walkways, beds, or borders: Santolina, sage, basil, wormwood and lavender. Tri-colored sage, variegated mints, and golden or variegated thyme add color, depth and texture to a garden.
Locate herbs with pleasing fragrances near sitting areas: Lavender, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, mint, pineapple sage, and scented geraniums.
FERTILIZING
Herbs, in general, are not heavy feeders. An application of fish emulsion or equivalent fertilizer, according to the manufacturer's label, every six to eight weeks from April through September is sufficient. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually change the flavor of many herbs.
Herbs, in general, are not heavy feeders. An application of fish emulsion or equivalent fertilizer, according to the manufacturer's label, every six to eight weeks from April through September is sufficient. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually change the flavor of many herbs.
HERBS FOR SPECIFIC USES
Herbs for Containers: Basil, Bay, Catnip, Chervil, Chives, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Scented Geraniums, Tarragon, Thyme.
Herbs as Background Plants: Angelica (8'), Bay (4'), Bee Balm (3'), Dill (3'), Fennel (4'), Lemon Grass (4'), Lovage (6'), Sage (1-3'), Southernwood (4'), Tansy (4').
Shade Tolerant Herbs: Angelica, Bay, Chervil, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Lovage, Mint, Myrtle, Parsley, Sweet Cicely, Sweet Woodruff.
Moisture Tolerant Herbs: Calendula, Chamomile, Chervil, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Lemon Balm, Lemon Grass, Lemon Verbena, Rue, Saffron, Summer Savory, Winter Savory.
Drought Tolerant Herbs: Borage, Chives, Fennel, Feverfew, Germander, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow.