How to Grow Your Own Herbs

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

11 May 2009 06:28 AM

Whether you pronounce the "h" or not, herbs are a wonderful thing for both cooking and medicinal use in your home. Most herbs are pretty easy to grow, even indoors. Growing your open herbs is economical and will keep you away from pesticides. From basil to lavender a few simple tips will have you growing your own herbs in no time.

How to start

First, determine which herbs you would like to grow. You can decided to start your herbs from seed or from nursery plants. If this is your first time growing herbs, or if you choose a perennial herb that requires a full year of growth before it can yield a good harvest, then you may want to choose the plants. Perennial herbs include peppermint, lavender, thyme, lemon balm and yarrow. Annuals that are easier to start from seed include chamomile and basil.

Where to grow

Herbs are easy to grow in pots, so as long as you have pots that drain well, you should have great success. Make sure that the pots are large enough to allow for room for the roots to grow. You'll want to start with a good organic, light potting soil for plants or a seed starting mix for seeds (later transfer the seedlings to the potting mix).

Sun, water and food

Herbs like a lot of sun, so choose a good sunny window and give them as much light as possible. There are a few herbs that don't require full sun, but unless they are noted otherwise, the more sun the better!

You'll want to keep your herbs well watered without over watering. Too much water can rot out the roots of the herbs. Herbs are pretty forgiving. Water once a day in the morning. The easiest way I have found for doing this is to place a saucer or dish under the pots. Water until the water comes out of the pots into the saucer. Then empty the saucer of water. Don't allow it to sit there.

An organic fertilizer can be applied according to directions.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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