Herb Gardens equal Happiness!

Thinking about starting an herb garden??  That’s great news!  I love having fresh herbs at my finger tips and they are so cheap to grow (compared with the pricey little bundles available at your grocery store).

I live in Western New York, so most culinary herbs are annual here (with a few exceptions such as oregano, dill, mints and thyme).  Not the end of the world – it’s still cheaper to buy a few plants than to purchase from a grocery store.  If you want to be really frugal, you can start your herbs from seed; however, I’m a little too lazy for that.

So your one of your first questions is probably "what will I plant?"  Well first and foremost, plant what you will use.  Are you looking for culinary herbs?  Herbs to make teas?  Herbs that just smell nice or look pretty?  Below is what I grow in my herbal garden –

Culinary:  Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Sage, Chives, Cilantro, Tarragon

Tea:  Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Spearmint, Peppermint, Yarrow, Lemon Verbena

Other:  Echinacea, Lavender, Tansy

Next you need a small garden space or flower bed, some good dirt and your plants.  Break up the dirt, add some compost to boost the nutrients in the soil, put your plants in the dirt and water them.  Keep them watered through the hot summer, but not so much that the ground is always soggy.  The plants will let you know when they need water...they get a little droopy.

Even if you don’t have space for a typical outdoor garden, you can still plant an herb garden.  There are many options, you just need good potting soil and your plants.  Get creative!

A tabletop herb garden - makes a great centerpiece on your outdoor table.  Just find a large shallow planter, add dirt and a handful of your favorite herb plants.

A window box outside a kitchen window – simply open the window and trim off some herbs to brighten up your dinner.               

A container garden – plant herbs in several different containers to set around your porch or even just on the steps going up to your front door.

A window sill garden – similar to the window box, just indoors on a window sill.

I hope the pictures I included here have inspired you to start your own herb garden.  I will post pictures of mine later in the season!!
Happy herb gardening!

-Tracy

PS - If you have not joined my email list on the main page of this website, please do so now!  You don't want to miss out on my May Newsletter - which is all about veggie gardens!  (cuz they equal happiness too!  :-) )