All About Herb Gardening Plants Article

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All about herb gardening plants

The indoor apartment space can act as a perfect host for growing favorite herb plants. Apartment gardening is the best option for those who want their own garden but lack of space.

Author: Ethen Smith

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Herb plants can grow anywhere -- in kitchen gardens or in containers. Fresh herb plants bring flavor and fragrance to even the simplest dish. And they're easy to grow, whether planted in their own special plot or interspersed among other plants. Many thrive in containers, too, gracing a deck or patio.

Choose a planting spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day. Well-drained soil is essential; if drainage is poor, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter or plant in raised beds. Work in a complete fertilizer before planting, following the label directions for amounts. Herb plants aren't heavy feeders, so this will suffice for the entire growing season.

Most perennial herb plants are easier to start from purchased transplants than from seed. Nurseries offer many sorts in spring, typically in 2- or 4-inch pots; rosemary and sage are also sold in gallon containers. Annual and biennial herb plants such as basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley can be started from seed.

Water herb plants after planting to get them established. Once they're growing steadily, though, most will need only occasional irrigation; exceptions are basil, chives, and parsley, which prefer evenly moist soil.

When perennial herb plants resume growth in early spring, feed them with a complete fertilizer or spread compost around the base of each plant.

Harvest herb plants for drying just as the first flower buds begin to open. The oils in the leaves are most concentrated at this time, and the herb plants will maintain their flavor when preserved. Cut sprigs or branches in the morning, after dew has evaporated; tie them together at the cut ends and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. When the leaves feel crisp, strip them from the stems and store in airtight jars.

Herb plants can also be dried by removing the leaves from the stems and spreading them on screens placed in a warm, dry, airy place out of direct sunlight. The leaves should be stirred in the trays every few days. When they feel crisp and crumble easily, they should be stored in airtight jars.

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All about herb gardening plants