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Location, Location, Location
The location of an herb bed should be well planned. Do
you plan on using the herbs for cooking? If that is the case a bed near the
kitchen is a must. The aroma of an herb bed can be quite intoxicating, great
along pathways were they might be brushed against. Planted near a favorite
sitting area is a great place too. Herbs are meant to be experienced, the
worst place to put an herb bed is where it will be forgotten.
Prepare The Herb Bed
Once you have your sunny site chosen that receives at
least 5 hours of sunlight a day, you are ready to create your bed. Your herb
bed can be as long as you desire but should only be 4 ft. wide for easy
weeding. Dig up and remove any sod that may be in the planting area. The
soil should be worked to at least 6 inches down, discard any weed roots that
you find. Once you have raked the freshly dug soil you are ready to plant
your herbs.
Amend Or Not To Amend
Most herbs are very tolerant of poor soil conditions
but you may want to amend (equal mix of manure, topsoil, and peat moss) if
there is poor drainage. Herbs need well-drained soil to flourish.
Try The Favorites First
There are so many herbs to choose from that you really
can get carried away. Here is a list of some favorites to get you started:
Balm (lemon), Basil, Borage, Caraway, Catmint, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives,
Coriander, Dill, Fennel, French Sorrel, Horseradish, Lavender, Peppermint,
Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Tarragon and
Thyme. Little maintenance is needed to care for herbs, you will find that
they are very easy and very rewarding.
Advice contributed by 'Boo' |
