You might be starting from scratch with seeds, or you might have some grown herbs ready to add to your garden. Either way, you should know a few ins and outs about choosing the right herbs and caring for them after planting and during the growing season. Plus, learn which herbs to plant in May before it gets too hot!
Choosing the Right Herbs for Your Garden
Intended Use
There are lots of herbs for you to choose from and before you start getting too technical, first put together a list of all the herbs you’re interested in having in your garden. Some may be so you have easy access to yummy culinary components.
In other cases, you may be working to add some extra flair or help with your at-home stress-relieving concoctions. Once you have this list put together, you can consider whether each of your picks makes sense to incorporate into your garden.
Climate
Most herbs love the sun, so find the right spot in your garden that gets lots of sunlight. Even if you have some shady spots, don’t worry. Some herbs can still thrive sans sun (examples include mint and parsley). Even if your outdoor conditions aren’t quite right, don’t fret. You may still be able to grow some of your favorite herbs indoors.
Soil Conditions
You might have acidic soil but that’s not a deterrent. There’s a fix and it’s lime. If you have heavy clay soil, it’s not the preferred type of soil for growing herbs but you can fix that. Just add some compost and coarse grit to create a more nurturing environment for your herbs.
Planting and Caring for Herbs
Depth
According to the National Gardening Association, you don’t need a lot of depth when dealing with herbs. Aim for at least four inches but no more than five when setting them up in your garden.
Spacing
Some herbs can’t be planted near each other. An example is fennel and cilantro — instead of thriving together, they get competitive which then inhibits the other’s growth. Generally, if you’re planting your herbs directly into the ground, you want to create a diameter of at least one foot. However, you should look into specifics depending on your unique herb preferences.
Water
Herbs need water to thrive, but their soil shouldn’t be saturated. You have to consider the climate as well. You want to avoid overwatering your herbs and realize that depending on your unique garden, there may be a period of trial and error as you navigate sun exposure along with weather conditions.
Fertilizer
Herbs are easy when it comes to fertilizer. Opt for all-natural, organic options along with your regular potting mix before you put them into the ground. If you notice they’re not looking as vibrant as they should, try incorporating fish and kelp fertilizer to help move things along.
Caring During Growing Season
Pruning
When working with most herbs, you want to make sure you time your last pruning appropriately. Ideally, it should be at minimum eight weeks before the winter season’s first frost. With some herbs like chive and parsley, when you prune, you want to cut about an inch from the soil. With perennial herbs, you want to be consistent and prune on a weekly basis during the summer season.
Harvesting
During the growing season, you want to pay special attention to your herbs so you can make the most of your harvest. If the herb has enough foliage to keep growing, you can cut a few sprigs right above where the leaves cluster (unless you’re working with herbs like parsley). Keep your herbs clear of dirt and be sure to remove any dead leaves while you do this as well.
Using
The beauty of herbs is their versatility. Enjoy them fresh atop a salad or dry them up to store and add bursts of flavor to your favorite dishes. Each herb type has its own medicinal properties as well. Aside from culinary uses, you can use herbs as needed to alleviate symptoms. Mint, for example, is helpful when you’re dealing with indigestion.
5 Herbs to Plant in May Before It Gets Too Hot
1. Sage
Scientific name: Salvia officinalis
Sage is a perennial that is distinguished by its grayish leaves and purplish flowers.
Preferred Growing Conditions
These herbs should be planted at least 18 inches and up to 24 inches apart. The soil should have a pH of 6.5 and be rich and well-drained. These herbs should also be exposed to plenty of sunlight. Add a little something to the soil to give these herbs the best chance. Think compost or some other organic matter that boosts the nutrients in your soil.
Culinary Uses
Sage grows in popularity around the holidays, with many Thanksgiving dinners incorporating this earthy, delightful herb. It’s fantastic for seasoning meats and can be incorporated into vegetable dishes. Some infuse their salt, butter, and honey with sage as well.
2. Rosemary
Scientific name: Salvia Rosmarinus
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that has different colored flowers (sometimes purple, pink, or white). The leaves look like little needles.
Preferred Growing Conditions
To help rosemary thrive, give it full sun. The soil should be light and well-drained. pH level should be about 6.5. Like with sage, make sure to enrich the soil for better outcomes.
Culinary Uses
Rosemary is versatile, pairing well with a variety of hot and cold dishes. You might incorporate it into a stew or a fresh salad. It’s great paired with different meats including steak, poultry, and fish as its woody aroma offers a wonderful flavor experience.
3. Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
Basil is a bright green annual herb. The leaves are large, fragrant, and flavorful.
Preferred Growing Conditions
Basil loves moist soil. Not drenched soil and not dry soil, but perfectly damp. Basil does thrive when the weather is warm but when summer is in full swing, the heat can do more harm than good. If you start to notice wilting, help your basil herb by giving it a little shade.
Culinary Uses
Basil makes a fantastic garnish. Add it to pasta for a fresh flavor, to your favorite summer salad, or include it in soups to liven it up. Get creative and blend it into sauces as well. The flavor is kind of sweet and kind of spicy.
4. Dill
Scientific name: Anethum graveolens
Dill is an annual herb that makes up part of the celery family. Both its seeds and leaves are used to add pops of flavor to food dishes.
Preferred Growing Conditions
The soil for dill should be a tiny bit acidic with lots of nutrients. Make sure it’s well-drained as well. When using fertilizer, you don’t need much. Once in late spring should cover it.
Culinary Uses
Dill also makes a great garnish. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. It’s a great accompaniment for potato salads but if you’re watching your carbs, chop it up and add it to your salads.
5. Parsley
Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is a type of flowering plant and many people throughout the world cultivate it as an herb.
Preferred Growing Conditions
Parsley thrives when it gets direct sunlight for several hours each day. If there’s a little bit of shade, it can tolerate it pretty well but if you can control it, it’s better to let it enjoy full sun.
Culinary Uses
Parsley’s flavor is peppery and earthy with a clean finish. Use it when you’re making a sauce or dip and add it fresh to pasta, meat dishes, and salads. When it’s fresh, it makes an awesome finish to an already flavorful meal.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/creativeneko
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