A lot of people think that herb gardening is quite difficult and it requires a lot of know how. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, herb gardening can be just as easy as regular outdoor vegetable gardening. All you need is some good soil, some pots that you can buy or make yourself and some of the best herbs to grow outside.
One of the best herbs to grow is Rosemary. This perennial herb likes full sunlight and will grow very well in potting soil that is slightly acidic in nature. Some examples of acidic soils include rock salts, boron and chalk. Rosemary will grow well with other perennial herbs like chives and basil. If you are growing Rosemary to make tea, mint is recommended as an alternative to Rosemary.
If you are planting basil, you will need to do so in pots. Planting basil outdoors is not advisable, as basil does not like direct sunlight. Instead, you should consider planting basil in a potting compost made from chicken manure. Keep in mind that basil is quite aromatic and has a distinctive spicy flavor. If you are not going to use it for cooking, keep it indoors and only add enough water to give your plants good drainage.
On the other hand, Rosemary thrives in an indoor herb garden. In fact, Rosemary is highly desirable as a landscape gardener. Because of its fragrant foliage and bitter flavor, Rosemary tends to be more bitter than basil. To protect Rosemary plants from pests, apply a small amount of citrus protection (use non-applicator brand name) before planting Rosemary. Remember to remove all dead leaves and cut the plants tenderly right after planting.
There are many other herbs to grow indoors, but this is by far the best collection of herbs to grow outdoors and one of the most popular herbs to grow in containers. Here are just a few reasons why. As mentioned earlier, basil is extremely aromatic, so it is easy to grow; rosesmary adds lovely colors and privacy; and rue is a great companion plant to many other herbs including lemon balm and marjoram. These three herbs will all compete with each other, which will result in a spectacular display of colors and smells throughout your yard.
The main problem you’ll face if you choose to plant basil indoors is moisture. This plant needs plenty of water to thrive, and some areas are drier than others. Because of this, you’ll want to water your basil pretty liberally when you plant it, especially the first year. Over the summer, you can supplement that watering with a simple spray of your favorite garden hose. However, if you find your soil dry and nocturnal, you may choose to water your herb more often.
When you plant Rosemary, be careful not to get any of its prized herbs in the garden. A lot of people like to harvest their own Rosemary leaves, but it’s very bad for the plant! It also doesn’t do much for your yard and your garden, as Rosemary tends to grow more towards the ground than sprawling up as most other plants. If you really want to grow herbs indoors, you could prune its branches, but I don’t recommend it. Keep the branches trimmed back so they don’t wind up breaking your windowsills or doors!
As with most things in gardening, consistency is key when it comes to growing herbs. Don’t forget about pruning! Make sure you always pick up the smallest shoots as you harvest them and as you pull them away from the plants you’re trying to grow. You’ll also want to check your soil’s moisture level after each gardening session. By following these simple tips, you’ll have a great success with your small container garden.