General News
21 February, 2025
Grow your own herbs at home
ARE you tired of buying herbs from your local grocery store and would prefer to grow your own at home?
There is nothing more rewarding – or more delicious – than growing your own fresh herbs in the backyard.
A herb garden, no matter how small, is a great way to dip your toes into the gardening world at any age.
Here are some great tips to developing a thriving herb garden that you can share with family and friends.
Although you may be tempted to try to grow almost every herb on the market, start small.
Stick to a small handful of herbs that you love. Try three or four plants first then you can add more as your garden (and your experience) grows.
Generally, herbs are easy to grow but as with all things, some are easier than others.
Basil, chives, mint and cilantro are all popular choices for beginners and are both affordable and accessible.
It’s important to remember that herbs need plenty of sun to thrive so you will want to make sure they get at least five or six hours of sunlight each day.
Find a sunny spot in your yard or on your patio – or fill your window sill with pots for an indoor herb garden.
Use well-draining soil. This will ensure that their roots get plenty of oxygen and are therefore less susceptible to root rot.
Classic potting mix is a great choice while bark, perlite and peat moss will keep your growing plants well aerated.
Don’t be afraid to cut back your herbs once they get growing.
Herbs that are ‘gangly’ will use too much energy producing long stems and won’t have enough energy to make a bunch of those tasty leaves that will help make your dinner even more delicious.
A DIY container garden is a great way to start your herb journey and won’t take up too much space.
Growing herbs from seed is one of those things best left to more experienced gardeners.
Not only are starter plants, or small seedlings, easier to grow, they also mean less time between planting and when those herbs are on your table.
Mint is one of the most popular herbs but be aware – they will spread all over your garden.
If you don’t want it to take over, keep your mint in containers or plant its roots in pots in the ground.
Quite often you will find mint growing in some really ‘weird’ places in your backyard.
Perennials are plants that return every year which means, hopefully, you’ll only need to plant them once.
Mint, oregano and rosemary are all perennials while parsley and dill will need to be replanted each year.
