Your Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs: Care Tips and Common Herbs to Grow

Growing herbs is a fantastic way to start gardening. They’re easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Moreover, they add a splash of color to any garden and can be grown indoors or outdoor. If you’re ready to get started, we have some beginner tips to help you get growing.

Basic Care of Growing Herbs

Herbs are versatile plants that grow easily either from seeds or cuttings. Before you begin planting, you should know the basics of caring for your herbs. Here are some quick care tips:

Soil:

Herbs grow best in well-draining soil. Mix compost with the soil to improve drainage and add nutrients.

Light:

Most herbs prefer full sunlight, which means they need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. However, some herbs like parsley and mint can grow in partial shade.

Water:

Water your herbs when the soil is dry to the touch. However, avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer:

Use a balanced fertilizer once every few weeks to promote growth.

Common Herbs and Their Care

1. Basil: Basil is a popular herb that needs full sun and moist soil. Pinch off the leaves regularly to encourage growth.

2. Chives: Chives are perfect for beginners and can be grown from seeds or clippings. They thrive in full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade.

3. Cilantro: Cilantro grows best in full sunlight and needs regular watering. Plant seeds every few weeks to ensure constant harvesting.

4. Dill: Dill needs full sunlight and moist soil. Pinch off the flowers to encourage leaf growth.

5. Fennel: Fennel thrives in full sunlight and well-draining soil. It needs regular watering but avoid over-watering.

6. Lavender: Lavender needs full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly once a week and trim back after flowering.

7. Lemon Balm: Lemon balm thrives in partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly, especially during hot weather.

8. Mint: Mint needs partial shade and moist soil. It can be invasive, so it’s best to grow it in a container. Pinch off the tips to encourage bushier growth.

9. Oregano: Oregano needs full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and prune regularly.

10. Parsley: Parsley grows best in partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly and prune the leaves from the bottom up.

11. Rosemary: Rosemary needs full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water moderately, but avoid over-watering. Trim regularly to promote bushy growth.

12. Sage: Sage thrives in full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water moderately and prune regularly.

13. Stevia: Stevia needs full sunlight or partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks.

14. Tarragon: Tarragon needs full sunlight or partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly and prune back for bushier growth.

15. Thyme: Thyme needs full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water moderately and prune regularly.

16. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves need full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water regularly and prune back to promote bushier growth.

17. Cumin: Cumin needs full sunlight and moist soil. Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks.

18. Marjoram: Marjoram needs full sunlight or partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly and prune back for bushier growth.

19. Mustard: Mustard needs full sunlight and moist soil. Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks.

Growing herbs is an excellent way to start gardening. Start small and work your way up by experimenting with different herbs and recipes. Soon enough, you’ll have a beautiful herb garden and fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking. Remember to keep the care tips in mind to ensure the best growth for your herbs. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from gardening experts, family members, or friends who may have experience growing herbs.

>>Growing and Harvesting Lemon Balm

The Author:

Pioneerthinking.com – Ingredients for a Simple Life.

Photo. Jill Wellington