Botanists will simply describe herbs as any plant that doesn't have a permanent woody stem.
Essentially this means any plant that is not a tree or shrub.
Most gardeners would define herbs as plants that we grow to add flavour to our cooking but this definition falls down when you consider rosemary is a shrub and bay leaves come from a tree.
Herbs are amongst the easiest plants to cultivate.
A large majority only require good drainage, plenty of sun, and moderate amounts of fertilisers and water.
With a good start and a little regular maintenance your herb garden will reward you with a plentiful bounty.
While most herbs will tolerate poor soil and periods of drought they shouldn't have to.
Herbs flourish best in good quality soils and with the same regular watering the rest of the garden is afforded.
A good planting mix is perhaps the most important element of a successful herb garden.
A combination of manure, compost or other fertile organic material that is light on bark and sawdust will produce the best results.
Your herbs don't need to be grown in special herb beds.
They will be perfectly happy and bring fragrance and beauty to any part of your garden that is blessed with plenty of sunshine.
Using parsley or sage as a border or one of the lower growing lavender's to hide the woody undergrowth of roses can be extremely effective.
When planting directly into the ground, be sure to remove all weeds first as they will compete for nutrients with your freshly planted herbs.
I recommend the use of small amounts of dolomite lime to the soil.
This will improve your soil by 'sweetening' it.
The optimum pH level for herbs is between 6.
5 and 7.
5.
Basic soil testing kits will enable you to check your soils pH and make adjustments to optimize your results.
Herbs can be planted from seed, by purchasing young, partially established plants from nurseries, by root division or even cuttings.
Many herbs are well known for there spreading capabilities and you will most likely find a friend who can provide you with stock from established plantings.
Annual herbs (those that last just one season) lend themselves to co-planting in vegetable gardens.
Some annual herbs such as Sage have attractive enough foliage to be successfully incorporated into your flower gardens.
As long as you meet their needs herbs can be planted just about anywhere in the garden.
Plan you planting to maximise results.
Provide enough space for plants to grow to maturity.
Plant tall herbs at the back or centre of the garden, lower growing varieties should be planted toward the front.
Where space allows plant on mass to provide greater impact.
Always consider colours and texture when preparing your planting layout.
A little thought will provide a more aesthetically pleasing end result.
Where possible avoid planting perennials (plants lasting more than one season) with annuals.
This will help to avoid disturbing the root systems of your perennial plants when the annuals are removed at the end of a season.
Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden.
Beyond providing culinary advantages to your kitchen they can be an attractive border or backdrop to your established garden.
Chose carefully and the results will provide you with a functional and beautiful garden.
Happy gardening!
Essentially this means any plant that is not a tree or shrub.
Most gardeners would define herbs as plants that we grow to add flavour to our cooking but this definition falls down when you consider rosemary is a shrub and bay leaves come from a tree.
Herbs are amongst the easiest plants to cultivate.
A large majority only require good drainage, plenty of sun, and moderate amounts of fertilisers and water.
With a good start and a little regular maintenance your herb garden will reward you with a plentiful bounty.
While most herbs will tolerate poor soil and periods of drought they shouldn't have to.
Herbs flourish best in good quality soils and with the same regular watering the rest of the garden is afforded.
A good planting mix is perhaps the most important element of a successful herb garden.
A combination of manure, compost or other fertile organic material that is light on bark and sawdust will produce the best results.
Your herbs don't need to be grown in special herb beds.
They will be perfectly happy and bring fragrance and beauty to any part of your garden that is blessed with plenty of sunshine.
Using parsley or sage as a border or one of the lower growing lavender's to hide the woody undergrowth of roses can be extremely effective.
When planting directly into the ground, be sure to remove all weeds first as they will compete for nutrients with your freshly planted herbs.
I recommend the use of small amounts of dolomite lime to the soil.
This will improve your soil by 'sweetening' it.
The optimum pH level for herbs is between 6.
5 and 7.
5.
Basic soil testing kits will enable you to check your soils pH and make adjustments to optimize your results.
Herbs can be planted from seed, by purchasing young, partially established plants from nurseries, by root division or even cuttings.
Many herbs are well known for there spreading capabilities and you will most likely find a friend who can provide you with stock from established plantings.
Annual herbs (those that last just one season) lend themselves to co-planting in vegetable gardens.
Some annual herbs such as Sage have attractive enough foliage to be successfully incorporated into your flower gardens.
As long as you meet their needs herbs can be planted just about anywhere in the garden.
Plan you planting to maximise results.
Provide enough space for plants to grow to maturity.
Plant tall herbs at the back or centre of the garden, lower growing varieties should be planted toward the front.
Where space allows plant on mass to provide greater impact.
Always consider colours and texture when preparing your planting layout.
A little thought will provide a more aesthetically pleasing end result.
Where possible avoid planting perennials (plants lasting more than one season) with annuals.
This will help to avoid disturbing the root systems of your perennial plants when the annuals are removed at the end of a season.
Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden.
Beyond providing culinary advantages to your kitchen they can be an attractive border or backdrop to your established garden.
Chose carefully and the results will provide you with a functional and beautiful garden.
Happy gardening!
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