It’s important to know when and how to grow herbs in your yard if you are interested in starting herb gardening. People plant herbs for many purposes, such as culinary use, fragrance, and medical applications.
There are many ways to cultivate herbs in bed borders or containers on a patio. Many can thrive indoors in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Therefore, you should start growing herbs regardless of your living situation. Whether indoors or outdoors ensures a handy supply for culinary endeavors.
Moreover, herbs can also improve the look of your garden by adding fragrance, texture, and flowers to your borders.
There is a wide range of herbs available; some can be harvested year-round. If you are seeking guidance on when and how to plant herbs and thrive, look no further; in this article, I will guide you for successful herb gardening.
Let’s begin
When To Plant Herbs
When to plant herbs depends on various factors, including whether they are annual, biennial, or perennial, whether you plan to grow them indoors or outdoors, and your local climate and weather conditions.
Annual and biennial herbs like dill, basil, coriander, and parsley, as well as planting herb seeds, are sown between March and August. Given their short lifespan and frequent use, seeds should be sown every few weeks from early spring to early fall to ensure a continuous and abundant harvest. I suggest starting them in pots within a greenhouse during late winter to give them a head start before transplanting them outside when the soil starts to thaw in the spring.
Perennial herbs like Rosemary, sage, chives, fennel, garlic, and thyme are best planted indoors in the spring, allowing them to mature in pots before transitioning outdoors. There are some perennial varieties that thrive if planted from small nursery plants or through division, preferably during the spring season.
Mediterranean perennial herbs like lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage propagate effectively through cuttings. Softwood cuttings from late summer or autumn can be harvested and stored indoors in a sunny place or greenhouse. Once the threat of frost has subsided, Mediterranean perennials can be transplanted outdoors.
These herbs thrive in full sunlight and prefer dry, rocky soils. Ideal locations to plant them are alongside paths, between paving tiles, and in gravel gardens..These herbs thrive in direct sunlight and grow best on dry, rocky soil. You can plant them in gravel gardens, along footpaths, or between paving tiles. Combining them in herb planters is advantageous because they have similar growth needs. These
herbs can thrive in harsh conditions. So, place those aromatic herbs on patios near seating areas, where you can savor their fragrance.
When To Plant Herbs Indoor
There are various herbs that can grow indoors in pots to provide you with a fresh supply all year round, including mint, parsley, thyme, chives, and French tarragon. If they get the right amount of sunlight.
If you are planning to start a herb garden in a heated greenhouse then the seed can be planted at any time of the year. Plant the seed in pots or trays into the surface of moist peat free compost and cover them with a thin layer of compost and water. Also cover them with a polythene bag. Or, if you want to grow them in an unheated greenhouse or windowsills plant then in spring.
In winter, sunlight and the temperature drop, so the growth rate of indoor herbs will become slow. Also, if you place them on windowsills, they may be exposed to fluctuating temperatures that affect their growth rate.During the winter in northern climates, the temperature of windowsills can drop 15 to 30 degrees lower than the room’s temperature, causing plants to struggle.
When To Plant Herbs Outside
When to plant herbs outside depends on various factors such as what type of herbs you are growing and the condition of the local climate and weather. Generally herbs planted outside in spring in a sunny spot with fertile soil and free draining soil.
You can plant Annual and biennial herbs from March to August. Or, if you want, you can give them a head start by planting them undercover in early January and then planting them outside in spring. But dill and parsley are exceptions; they do not like to be transplanted. So, it’s best to plant them directly outside, if possible.
Sowing your seeds in trays gives you more control over the environment, soil condition, and thinning seedlings as they sprout. This can lead to quicker germination and give you the opportunity to sow seeds earlier in the growing season.
Perennial herbs raised from seed or cuttings should be transplanted once the threat of frost has passed during the late spring and early summer months.
How to Grow Herbs in a Garden
Step 1 – Before sowing seed, select a location flooded with sunlight and have soil that drains effectively. Yates Dynamic Lifter, Soil Improver and Plant Fertiliser into the soil and mix them well.
Step 2 – Dig a shallow hole and carefully distribute the seeds inside. If you are opting for transplanting, then prepare the hole twice the width of the root and ensure it is at the same depth. Place the seedlings and carefully replenish the soil.
Step 3 – Make sure to provide ample water to your plant using a soft and gentle spray.
Step 4 – Once the seedlings start sprouting and developing, administer weekly doses of Yates Thrive, natural veggie & herb liquid plant food.
Step 5 – Don’t hesitate to harvest and trim leaves as necessary.
Final Words
In my final words, I just want to tell you that if you are looking for a good place to start gardening, I recommend herb gardening.. Because planting herbs is a rewarding experience that offers benefits from enhancing culinary creations to providing natural remedies. I recommend starting with thyme, rosemary, or mint because they’re relatively easy to take care of. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about growing herbs!
Happy Gardening!
