- 1). Position the herb garden in an area with full sun. It should be an open space that offers air movement during Kentucky's humid summer days. Most herbs are accustomed to a Mediterranean climate and need plenty of sun and air circulation, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
- 2). Test the pH of the soil. Herbs prefer neutral soil and grow best with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Most soils in Kentucky are highly productive, however, peat moss can be added to poor soils to improve overall quality, according to University of Illinois Extension.
- 3). Prepare the soil. The soil should be loosened up to 8 inches deep to encourage root growth. Add compost to soils with poor drainage.
- 4). Plant perennial herb transplants separate from annuals. Digging up and planting annuals every year can cause damage to nearby perennials. Additionally, keeping annuals and perennials separate makes maintaining the plants easier, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
- 5). Space the herb transplants 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on their growth patterns.
- 6). Provide the herbs with adequate water. Kentucky receives a high amount of precipitation each year but may have dry spells throughout the summer during which time the herbs will need extra water.
- 7). Harvest the herbs as they grow. Harvest in the mornings when the oil concentrations are highest. Leave the majority of the plant intact to maintain its growth.
- 8). Decrease harvest size in the fall. Autumn is Kentucky's rainiest season and the accompanying cool weather slows growth. During this time, herbs need to harden and store carbohydrates for winter, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
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