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Let’s grow some herbs!

Herbs are simple to grow with a little sunshine, water and good organic soil. They can grow in pots or in the ground. They prefer to be in the ground where they can spread out (with the exception of MINT, it must be in a container, very invasive and will choke out all your surrounding plants!). Some herbs can grow quite large (4-6 feet), and pots can stunt their growth. Have FUN!! To Download this information click here.

 Where do I plant herbs?

Most herbs prefer full sun as long as regular summer temperatures don't rise above 90 degrees. If you have very warm summers, then plant in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade in the summer, or a place that receives filtered light (such as under a tree that allows some light to pass through). 

Planting in Pots and Containers

Herbs are much easier to grow then many houseplants. All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for your plants to grow. Sunny decks and patios are great for container gardening.

What you need:

·      Large pot:  8" to 18" in diameter (It is a good idea to combine several herbs that have the same watering requirements into a single container)

·      Organic Potting soil (enough to fill your pots)

·      Organic herb or vegetable fertilizer (if not already in the potting soil)

·      Watering Can or Hose

Step 1: Try and allow for at least 6" in diameter for each plant. Later you may want to transplant to larger pots because they will outgrow the pots over time. (Basils can grow to over 2 1/2 feet high!)

 

Step 2: Prepare your container by filling it ¾ full with good potting soil and add fertilizer according to the directions on the package. Moisten soil by mixing in water until the soil feels damp. Place saucer underneath pot, to protect your deck or table, and you’re ready to plant!

 

Step 3: Dig holes large enough for each plant. ** If you are using the Jiffy compostable pot, you can place the entire plant and its Jiffy pot, into your new container pot soil. Make sure the outside of the pot is moist and wet to the touch, before putting it into the ground)** Release the plants from starter containers by turning them upside down, tapping the bottom and squeezing the container while gently pulling on the base of the stems until the plant comes out. Make sure the root system is intact. Place roots-down in the hole and gently press soil around the base of the plant and fill with remaining soil. Water the plant immediately after planting.

Step 4: Water them only when the soil gets dry to the touch. Over-watering can be just as bad for herbs as under-watering. Plants should get at least four hours of sunshine per day (certain plants appreciate a bit of shade in the hot summer months during the afternoon hours). They can grow with less sunshine, but not as vigorously.

 

Planting Herbs in the Ground

Planted herbs need approximately 1 to 3 feet in diameter per plant.

General guidelines for plant sizes:

  • 2 - 3 feet - Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, Marjoram

  • 1 - 2 feet - Basils, Thyme, Tarragon, Savory

  • 1 foot - Chives, Dill, Parsley

  • Container only – ALL mints

 

Step 1: Prepare The Soil

Before you plant, loosen soil with shovel or fork if compacted. This allows water to drain and creates space for plant roots to reach down into the soil. This is the most important step, the future health of your plants depend on it! Add compost to your soil, about an inch or so on top and then mix it into the soil, this helps prevent drainage problems and adds fertilizer too.

 

Step 2: Dig holes larger then the current container of the plant. ** If you are using the Jiffy compostable pot, you can place the entire plant and pot into the ground. Make sure the outside of the pot is moist and wet to the touch, before putting it into the ground)** Release the plants from starter containers by turning them upside down, tapping the bottom and squeezing the container while gently pulling on the base of the stems until the plant comes out. Make sure the root system is intact. Place roots-down in the hole and gently press soil around the base of the plant and fill with remaining soil. Water the plant immediately after planting.

 

Watering Tips:

Most herbs like to be watered as soon as the soil a couple of inches below the surface and are dry to the touch. Since temperatures and humidity cause drying times to vary every week, you must check the soil often. Do not over-water. More water is not better and can lead to diseases or just poor growing conditions for your herbs, which will result in reduced growth.

 

Harvesting:

Cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8" tall. By cutting close to a leaf intersection, your plants will regrow quickly. Parsley grows new leaves from the center, so the oldest branches need to be completely removed, leaving the new tiny branches growing from the center.