Garden & Greenhouse November 2018 Issue | Page 37

FEATURESTORY Steps to a Simple DIY Herb Garden T hanks to the ever-growing popularity of suc- culents, many people are starting to grow their own DIY herbal garden indoors. Culi- nary herbs are gaining popularity again be- cause they’re easy to grow, require little sunshine, and can be easily started in a windowsill. If you’re one of the many people that’s thought about starting your own organic vegetable garden but you’re not sure where to begin, herb gardens are a great way to get your feet wet. Listed below are some tips and tricks to help even a beginner start an herb gar- den in their home. Create a Space in Your Home or Greenhouse Herbs are easy to grow because they’re not as picky as vegetables. They can be started in pots with healthy soil and a little fertilizer or compost. Herbs prefer to be in the ground eventually, so keep that in mind as they bloom. Some of them grow to be quite large and depending on the variety, leaving them in small pots could stifl e their growth. Pick a Small Space to Start Starting herbs is easy since you only need a small space to do it. Some herbs can be grown in small pots by a windowsill; others prefer to be in a small space in the ground. Try planting them according to the following guidelines: ◆ 3-4 feet for Rosemary, Sage, Mints, Marjoram and Oregano ◆ 2 feet for Basil, Tarragon, Savory, and Thyme ◆ 1 foot for Chives, Dill, Parsley, and Cilantro ◆ Involve the Family Growing an herb garden isn’t quite as involved as a vegetable garden. They’re easier to layout and de- sign, which means the entire family, can be involved. Ask your kids what herbs they would like to help grow and let them help. Keep them involved in the planting, growing and pruning process too. Use Plant Markers Many herbs look similar to one another. Because it’s easy to get confused when you’re fi rst starting, make sure to use plant markers to distinguish between your herbs. Include the species, sunlight, hydration require- ments, and uses on your plant labels so you can get to know them better throughout the growing process. Apply Organic Fertilizers All culinary herbs re- quire sunlight, water and good soil to grow success- fully. Creating compost from organic materials is a great way to create healthy soil that will help herbs fl ourish. Consider using organic fertilizers to build up the soil with healthy, natural materials. Starting your fi rst herb garden is like beginning a new adventure. Once your herbs start to fl ourish, harvest them often as this will encourage them to produce even more. GG Background information for this article was provided by MCB Biomarkers. Visit their website at McgBiomarkers.com. MULTIPURPOSE GREENHOUSE DISINFECTANT & DISEASE CONTROL • Disinfect pots, trays, benches, tools, etc. • Algae control on walkways, pots, evaporative coolers, soil • Spray on plants to control bacterial, viral and fungal disease • Excellent wetting agent • Cost effective, pleasant odor and environmentally friendly MARIL PRODUCTS, INC. 15421 Red Hill Ave. • Suite D • Tustin, CA 92780 USA 714-544-7711 • 800-546-7711 • www.physan.com November 2018 www.GardenandGreenhouse.net 37