Anyone can have a beautiful herb garden right outside their door by growing herbs in containers. You'll be surprised at just how easy, and how much fun it can be once you get started! Whether you live in an apartment with a small balcony or have a big yard, container herb gardening can be an effective way for you to grow herbs.
Containers:
First, find a container with good drainage. Even something like a recycled market basket can be used for growing herbs. Whatever container you use, make sure that it is food safe, as some pots are made with lead or other materials that you don't want in your food. Always use the largest possible container for your available space. Larger containers equal less maintenance than smaller ones in terms of drying out and needing water more frequently. Be aware that terra cotta pots are porous and will require more frequent watering as well. Growing herbs in containers is generally an excellent choice, since they are tough and drought resistant.
Soil:
When you're ready to add soil, use a ready-grow soil mix with all the ingredients for optimal growth already mixed in. Mix a little "Soil Moist" (or something similar) with polymers into the soil so that the soil will hold more moisture. This way, you won't have to water every day.
Seeds vs Plants:
You can easily grow grassier herbs like Chives, Cilantro, Parsley, and Mint from seed. Experts recommend buying larger, woody herbs such as Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, and Marjoram from a local nursery and planting them into your containers. Basil and Sage are better purchased as plants instead of seeds.
Placement:
When you remove the plant from the little container that you bought it in, it will usually be root-bound, so tease the roots apart a little to help optimize growth. Plant herbs that grow taller in the rear of the container, plant shorter herbs in the front, so that all plants get plenty of light. Cascading plants such as Oregano and Thyme should be planted near the edges of the container so they can spill over the sides. Some tall herbs include: Basil, Dill, and Rosemary. Medium size includes: Chives, Oregano, Parsley, and Sage. Short: Thyme. If you plant many plants in a single container, you will have to harvest often to insure that the plants don't get overcrowded. Next, water the plants in.
Watering and Location:
Be sure to water when your thumb stays dry halfway up when inserted into the soil. Keep your container herb garden right outside your kitchen door so that it is easy for you to reach your fresh herbs whenever you need them.
Depending on your climate, you may have to re-plant some of your herbs each spring, or they may survive the winter. Or, if you allow the herb to flower and seed, you may find the plants coming back on their own. If you want to preserve some of your herbs at the end of the season, simply cut long stems, hang to dry (for a couple weeks), then harvest and store in an airtight container.
As a student of Chinese Medicine, Mark Perlik has a strong understanding of the power of fresh herbs used for cooking and medicine. http://www.mygrowingherbs.com has been created by Mark to help others who are interested in finding resources and information about herbs.
Article Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com
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