Herb Garden Care – How to Take Care of Herb Plants

Herb care is not difficult if you follow some basic rules. Some herbs are drought-tolerant while others need watering more frequently. For example, mint and sage do better in a drought-resistant environment. However, you should also keep in mind that most culinary herbs prefer a medium-damp soil. However, you should remember that this is not a substitute for proper rainfall. If you do not have a garden, you can still grow herbs indoors.

For indoor and outdoor herb planting, choose a location that gets full sunlight. However, if your area has very hot summers, try to limit sunlight during the day. Most herbs can survive without fertilizer, provided they receive filtered sunlight in the afternoon. Also, consider planting your herbs in a pot or a plastic container to reduce their risk of spreading out of control. Keeping invasive plants in check can be easy if you plant them in a container that can be moved to another area.

Perennial herbs need regular pruning. Every three or four inches of woody stems should be pruned in the spring to encourage new growth. Cut back the old branches to 4 inches from the ground to encourage fuller, more attractive growth. In colder months, you can bring potted herbs inside. A good time to prune them is eight weeks before the first frost. Then, you can use them for cooking or in your favorite recipes.

For outdoor herbs, harvest them during midday when the sun isn’t hot enough to damage them. When picking herbs from the ground, cut them about a third of the way down. This will prevent the stem from splitting. Other herbs, such as chives and lavender, require a full stem to be harvested. Once harvested, place the herbs in a paper bag that has holes and keep them moist. This will prolong the drying time.

Angelica needs regular watering. In warm zones, the plant needs two to three times a week. Make sure to aim the nozzle of the watering can at the root and avoid getting the leaves and stems wet. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure to follow the watering instructions closely. Soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.2. Once the plant reaches a pH level that is suitable for garden plants, you can harvest it regularly.

Most herbs are good companions. You can plant them together as long as they have similar needs. Some, such as mint, do not grow well in containers and are best grown in their own pots. Mint can also spread quickly and should be planted in a pot of its own. You can also share with your neighbors if you have too much of a particular herb. You can even sell some of the herbs to neighbors. It can be a profitable business for you.

Growing herbs indoors is possible with the right care. While herbs require a sunny location and a well-drained soil, they do not like cold temperatures. A window with indirect sunlight is an excellent option if you have a sunny window. Mint, chives, parsley, and thyme can be grown on a windowsill and enjoyed year-round. A well-lit window will make these plants even more attractive!