Herb Garden Plans: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need a green thumb to start an herb garden. In fact, with these easy step-by-step herb garden plans for beginners, you'll be able to get your garden up and running in no time at all! Not only will you enjoy the delicious benefits of homegrown herbs, but you'll also have a beautiful addition to your home landscape.
What Is A Easy Herb Garden Plan for Beginners?
Choose a Sunny Spot In Your Yard or on Your Patio/balcony
Decide What Kinds of Herbs You Want to Grow
Get Some Pots or Planters and Some Potting Soil
Water Your Herbs Regularly
This is a simple plan to get started, but In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started, step-by-step. By the end of this post, you'll be ready to plant your very own herb garden.
Herb Garden for Beginners: Basic Plan
If you're new to herb gardening, start with this basic plan. It's easy to follow and will give you a good foundation for building your skills. With a little practice, you'll be able to expand on this plan and create a thriving herb garden of your own!
Choose a Sunny Spot In Your Yard or On Your Patio/balcony
When it comes to herb gardening, location is everything. The right spot for your herb garden will get plenty of sunlight and have well-drained soil.
If you're growing herbs indoors, make sure to choose a spot near a sunny window. Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to start preparing the soil. You can do this by adding compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage and aeration.
If you're growing herbs in containers, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix. By taking the time to choose the right location and prepare the soil properly, you'll set your herb garden up for success.
If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, don't worry! You can even grow herbs indoors in a sunny spot. Just make sure that wherever you choose, get at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Decide What Kinds of Herbs You Want To Grow
Think about the kinds of herbs you want to grow. Not just any old herbs, but the ones that will best suit your needs. Do you need herbs for cooking? For medicinal purposes? For fragrance? It's important to choose the right herbs for your herb garden.
If you're not sure which herbs to grow, here are a few suggestions:
Basil is great for adding flavor to Italian dishes.
Oregano is perfect for adding Mediterranean flavor to dishes.
Sage is a must-have if you like poultry dishes.
Thyme goes well with almost any type of cuisine.
If you're looking for some more popular herbs to add to your garden, consider these:
Cilantro is a must-have for Mexican and Asian cuisine.
Lavender is perfect for aromatherapy and adding a touch of color to your garden.
Lemon balm is great for adding flavor to tea or lemonade.
•Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar.
Once you've decided what kinds of herbs you want to grow, do some research on how large each plant will get when it's fully grown. This will help you determine how many plants you can fit in the space you have.
Get Some Pots or Planters and Some Potting Soil
If you're thinking of starting an herb garden, you're going to need some pots or planters. But before you run out and buy them, there are a few things you need to consider.
First, think about the size of the pots or planters. You'll want to choose something big enough to accommodate the plants when they're fully grown.
Second, make sure the pot or planter has drainage holes so the soil can drain properly.
Third, choose potting soil that's specifically designed for herbs. This will give your plants the best chance for success.
Once you've got your pots or planters picked out, it's time to get some potting soil. You can find this at most garden centers or home improvement stores. Just make sure to read the label carefully so you get the right kind of soil for your herbs.
If you're growing herbs indoors, make sure to get pots with drainage holes in the bottom so that the water can drain out. Otherwise, your plants will drown!
Water Your Herbs Regularly
The most common mistake people make when it comes to watering herbs is giving them too much water.
Herbs need only a moderate amount of water, and overwatering can kill them quickly. So how can you tell if your herbs are getting the right amount of water?
One way is to check the soil moisture. If the top few inches of soil are dry, then your herbs need water. Another way is to look at the leaves. wilted leaves are a sign that your herb needs water.
If you're not sure whether or not your herbs need water, err on the side of caution and give them a little bit less rather than more. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill plants, so be careful!
Give them some occasional TLC (tender loving care), and soon enough, you'll have a thriving herb garden! Remember to harvest your herbs regularly so that they continue to produce new growth. Now you know how easy it is to start an herb garden for beginners.
So we went over the basics of starting an herb garden, but now you will learn about the different types of herbs, what kind of pots or planters you need, and how much water they need.
You will also learn how to harvest your herbs so that they continue to produce new growth.
Herb Garden Plans Beginners Overlook
One component of starting an herb garden that is often overlooked (but that we can help you with) is maintenance. We know how to plan, plant, water, and harvest our herbs, but very often, you don’t want to harvest a whole rosemary or sage plant at a time, so what do you do?
There are basically two ways to maintain your perennial herbs so that they continue to thrive for many years.
The first is to cut the whole plant back to six inches twice per year. The second is to cut the whole plant back all the way to the ground two to four times per year, depending on where you live.
Lavender, oregano, sage, and rosemary will all benefit from a twice-yearly haircut. This cutback tells the plant to re-grow evenly instead of just putting more new growth on old, worn-out plant material.
Lemonbalm, mint, and chives will all benefit from being cut back multiple times a year all the way to the ground. This is especially true for herbs that spread by rhizome. Not only will the plant give you many more years of growth, but it will also stay healthier and better looking throughout those years.
We have a guide for when and how to cut back each herb that you can get access to by emailing us at khelaherbs@gmail.com
What You’ll Need for Your Herb Garden Plans
Pots or planters
Herb plants
Organic potting soil
Garden gloves
A sunny windowsill or outdoor space that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day
A water spritzer bottle (optional)
Choose Plants for Your Herb Garden
If you’re a beginner, start with these herbs:
Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
These herbs are relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of attention. You can find herb plants at your local nursery or garden center. If you’re starting from seed, look for seeds that are labeled “easy to grow.”
Know What Herbs Grow Best In The Habitat Where You Live
If you live in an area with a hot climate, choose herbs that are drought-tolerant, such as:
Basil
Cilantro
Dill
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
If you live in an area with a cold climate, choose herbs that can tolerate frost, such as:
Chives
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a mapping system that tells you what types of plants will grow in your region. It was created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help gardeners choose plants that will thrive in their climate.
To find out your plant hardiness zone, visit the USDA website and enter your zip code. The map will show you which zone you live in and list the plants that are best suited for that climate.
Different Ways To Get Sunlight for Your Herb Garden
Indoor herb gardens need at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you don’t have a sunny spot in your home, you can use grow lights to give your plants the light they need.
Outdoor herb gardens should be in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day as well. If you live in an apartment or condo, look for a community garden where you can rent a plot of land to grow your herbs.
If you live in an area with a lot of trees, your herb garden may not get enough sunlight. In that case, you can move your garden to a spot that gets more sun.
Space Requirements for An Herb Garden
When it comes to gardening, one of the most important decisions you have to make is the size of the plot. For an herb garden, you will need at least 3 square feet per type of herb. So, if you want to grow basil, thyme, and oregano, you will need at least 9 square feet.
If you are growing your herb garden indoors, you will need a window that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
The Best Herbs To Grow In Pots
If you're just starting out in herb gardening, then it's best to stick with some of the easier plants to grow.
Some of the best herbs for beginners to grow in pots include:
Chives
Lavender
Mint
Parsley
Thyme
These plants are relatively easy to care for, and they will add a touch of flavor to your cooking. For a more comprehensive list, check out our post on the best herbs to grow in pots available on the Khela Herbs blog.
If you're looking for a source to buy herbs, then your best bet is to head to a local garden center or farmers market. You can also purchase herbs online from a variety of sources. Just be sure to choose a reputable company that sells high-quality plants. We recommend Strictly Medicinal Seeds and Mountain Valley Growers.
Tips for Keeping Your Herb Garden Soil Healthy
Herbs are not demanding plants, but they do need some basic care to stay healthy. Follow these tips to keep your herb garden soil healthy:
1. Use organic potting soil when planting your herbs. This will help to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need.
2. Add compost to your herb garden soil regularly. This will help to improve drainage and aeration while also adding essential nutrients.
3. Be sure to water your herbs regularly. Herbs like moist soil, so be sure to keep the soil moist (but not soggy). A good rule of thumb is to water once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry.
4. Make sure your herb garden is getting enough sunlight. Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day.
5. If you notice that your herbs are looking unhealthy, test the soil to see if it needs more nutrients. You can do this by taking a small sample of soil to your local garden center or Cooperative Extension office. They will be able to test the soil and let you know what amendments it needs.
The Process of Herb Gardening
In this next section, you will get tips on the care and maintenance of your herb garden, when to plant herbs, which herbs grow well together, and how to harvest your herbs.
When To Plant Your Herbs for The Best Results
The best time to plant your herbs will depend on the climate you live in. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can plant your herbs in early spring. If you live in an area with a shorter growing season, you can plant your herbs in late summer.
To get the most out of your herb garden, it is best to plant your herbs in well-drained soil. If you live in an area with clay soil, you will need to amend the soil with sand or compost to improve drainage.
How To Plant Herbs From Seeds
If you want to grow your herbs from seeds, you will need to start them indoors in late winter. Plant the seeds in a seed starting mix and place them under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and wait for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots.
How To Transplant Herbs for Maximum Growth
When it comes time to transplant your herbs, be sure to do so in the evening. This will give the plants time to adjust to their new home before they are exposed to the harsh afternoon sun.
To transplant your herbs, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water well.
Is transplanting a propagation method?
Transplanting is a form of propagation, but it is not the only method. You can also propagate herbs by taking stem cuttings or root cuttings.
Stem cuttings are taken from new growth on the plant. To take a stem cutting, use a sharp knife to remove a 4-inch section of stem that includes several leaves.
Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a moist potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and wait for it to develop roots. Once the roots have grown, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or garden bed.
Top Herbs That Grow Well Together
Rather than give an exhaustive list of herbs that grow well together, here are the Top 3 Herbs that grow well together:
basil
parsley
thyme
These herbs are all easy to grow, and they have a strong flavor that will add depth to your dishes.
If you are looking for herbs that will add color to your garden, consider growing marigolds with your basil. The yellow flowers of the marigold will brighten up any space, and they also have a strong flavor that can add interest to your dishes.
Watering Your Herb Garden Basics
Just like any other plant, herbs need water to survive and thrive. But how much water do they need, and how often should you water them?
Herbs are typically drought-tolerant plants, which means they don't need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can be just as harmful as not enough water.
When it comes to watering your herb garden, the best rule of thumb is to water deeply but less often. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch, but be sure to water them thoroughly so that the water reaches the roots.
If you're not sure whether or not your plants need water, stick your finger in the soil. If it's dry to the touch, it's time to water.
The Best Time of The Day To Water
The best time of the day to water your plants is in the morning. This gives the plants time to absorb the water before the heat of the day sets in. Watering in the evening can also be effective, but it's important to make sure that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
If you water your plants in the evening and the leaves stay wet overnight, they are more likely to develop fungal diseases.
There are a few times when you should not water your herb garden.
The first is during the hottest part of the day when the plants are most likely to experience root burn.
The second is during rainy weather when the plants do not need additional water.
And finally, you should avoid watering your plants if they are already wet from recent rain or irrigation.
How To Water Your Herb Garden for Optimal Growth
Watering your herb garden regularly is crucial for the health of your plants. But how often should you water, and how much water do herbs need?
The answer to these questions depends on a few factors, including the type of plant, the climate, and the soil. In general, most herbs need about 1-2 inches of water per week.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, your plants will need more water. In cooler climates, they will need less.
The type of soil also affects how often your herb garden needs watering. Sandy soil drains quickly, so it needs to be watered more frequently than clay soil, which holds moisture longer.
Best Methods for Watering Your Herb Garden
There are a few different ways to water your herb garden, and the best method depends on the size of your garden and the type of soil you have.
If you have a small herb garden, the best way to water your plants is with a watering can or a hose with a spray nozzle. This allows you to control how much water each plant gets.
For larger gardens, soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are the best option. These methods deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, which helps reduce evaporation and ensures that the plants get the moisture they need.
How to Harvest Your Herbs for Optimal Flavor
Harvesting your herbs is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you also get to experience the amazing flavor of freshly picked herbs.
The best time to harvest your herbs is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the herbs are at their peak flavor.
When harvesting your herbs, be sure to use sharp scissors or a knife so that you don't damage the plant. Cut the stem just above a leaf node, and avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.
After harvesting your herbs, you can use them fresh or dry for later use. To dry herbs, tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.
With these tips, you'll be able to grow and harvest your own herbs with ease.
Conclusion
Starting an herb garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener. These easy step-by-step herb garden plans for beginners will help you get your garden up and running in no time.
If you're not sure where to start, be sure to book a garden mentorship consultation with one of our expert horticulturists. We'll help you choose the right herbs for your climate and soil type, and we'll give you tips on how to care for your plants so that they thrive.
Herb Garden Plans Related Questions
Can I plant grocery store herbs?
Yes, you can plant grocery store herbs, but there is a higher risk of them not surviving. This is because the herbs have likely been treated with pesticides and other chemicals that can harm the plants. It's best to purchase herb plants from a garden center or nursery.
What herbs should not be planted by each other?
There are a few herbs that should not be planted by each other. These include basil, sage, and oregano. Basil should not be planted near sage because it will make the basil taste like sage. Oregano should not be planted near basil because it will make the oregano taste like basil.
What month should you start a herb garden?
The best time to start a herb garden is in the spring. This is when the weather is warm and the days are longer. Herbs can also be planted in the fall, but they will need to be protected from frost.
Is it better to grow herbs in pots or ground?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on your personal preference and what works best for your space. Herbs can be grown in pots, ground, or a combination of both.