From time to time I like to review the basics of herb growing. There are so many new people getting into gardening, including herb gardening, that I think a refresher in growing herbs is timely. And, you veteran herb growers out there, you might just learn something new, too.

The definition of an herb, as defined by the Herb Society of America is as follows:

According to The Herb Society of America's New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown:

"The term "herb" also has more than one definition. Botanists describe an herb as a small, seed bearing plant with fleshy, rather than woody, parts (from which we get the term "herbaceous"). In this book, (The Herb Society of America's New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, ed.) the term refers to a far wider range of plants. In addition to herbaceous perennials, herbs include trees, shrubs, annuals, vines, and more primitive plants, such as ferns, mosses, algae, lichens, and fungi. They [herbs] are valued for their flavor, fragrance, medicinal and healthful qualities, economic and industrial uses, pesticidal properties, and coloring materials (dyes)."

I like Deni Bown's book because it includes many plants that I don't ordinarily think of as "herbs", such as cucumber, pumpkins, artichoke and even gardenia. Who knew?

The definition above includes most of the plant world! The more we learn about plants through research, from indigenous peoples around the world and from science, the more we realize the world around us holds just about everything we need to stay healthy, cure our ills and keep us busy learning, tending our gardens and sharing what we know with others. The world of herbs is vast. The study of herbs is the study of a lifetime... and then some. So, let's focus today on our common garden herbs and the best ways to grow them for maximum production and flavor.

LIGHT CONDITIONS

Many of the most popular culinary herbs we use - rosemary, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme - come from rather dry and sunny climates such as the Mediterranean area. This means they like sun, sun and more sun. Even here in South Central Texas and other hot, humid areas, herbs grown in the ground can take full sun. Indeed they thrive in it. Certainly in areas with less severe summers, herbs need sun all day, if possible. If you cannot provide all day sun, try to give them at least 6 hours a day for good production and flavor. If you're in a very hot area growing your herbs in containers, your plants will appreciate some afternoon shade in the summer. Give them all day sun in the winter, though, if you live where you can grow herbs outdoors in the winter.

SOILS/DRAINAGE

Soil type, acid/alkaline, is not as important as good drainage. Since many of the Mediterranean herbs natively grow in thin, rocky soils the plants have developed the ability to withstand drought and are uncomfortable with soggy conditions. That is not to say that herbs do not like rich soil high in organic matter- because they do. Herbs, like most plants, respond well to good nutritious soil. The soil needs to be well draining, not heavy and sticky. If you are blessed with soil like we have in much of Texas, affectionately knows as Texas Gumbo, you'll need to either build raised beds, really amend your soil in the beds- a back breaking endeavor if there ever was one- or grow your herbs in containers.

There are a number of well known herbs which are not as particular about good drainage as others. These include, but are certainly not limited to parsley, cilantro, dill, chervil, fennel and mint. These can take somewhat poorer drainage and some shade as well.

CONTAINERS

If you are planning a container garden, group the herbs in containers according to their water needs. That way you won't drown your rosemary while trying to keep your mint alive. If your container is large enough, you can manage the two types of herbs together by hand watering the ones that need more water and trying to keep water away from the ones that don't need it.


This potted large African Blue Basil was watered daily last summer.

In a hot climate, however, container herbs will need more water than the herbs in a planted bed. The roots of container plants become very hot with the sun beating on the container for hours. That's why I recommend container plants be given afternoon shade or even dappled light in the hot southern summers. Another way to help cool the roots of container planted herbs is to place the planted pot inside a larger pot. Just be sure the larger pot also has drain holes, or set the planted pot on some bricks, stones or something to lift it off the bottom. And, make sure you check from time to time to make sure the water level isn't so high as to leave your planted herb pot sitting in water.

TLC- BE NICE TO YOUR PLANTS AND FEED THEM

I read in a forum once that herbs like to be abused and starved. Nothing could be farther from the truth!! Herbs, like all plants, respond to care and feeding. It's true herbs are not heavy feeders like vegetables, but they still need nutrition to produce flavors and nutrients.

A developed herb bed can be fed twice a year if you live in a mild climate where you grow herbs all year round. One feeding in the spring and once in the fall will keep your herbs healthy and strong. If you live where your herbs don't grow in the winter, then once a year in the spring is enough. I like to use either granular or liquid organic type fertilizers. There are many on the market you can find. If you cannot find an organic type fertilizer where you live, check the fertilizer products on The Herb Cottage website.


These chive flowers show how beautiful well cared for herbs can be.
A good layer of compost is quite beneficial to your soil and the herbs growing there. Even in containers, a layer of compost will feed the herbs and keep your soil nice and loose. I dress my herb beds with a layer of compost about 1 inch thick twice a year. I also like to give them a nice spray with a liquid product containing seaweed to help them cope with the temperature extremes.

Container herbs need more fertilizer because the nutrients in the container are used up. Besides adding compost a couple of times a year, your herb containers should be fertilized with a good organic product. You can use a granular or a liquid product, which ever you prefer, as per the directions on the label. A seaweed foliar spray occasionally will help your herbs cope with the extreme heat of the southern and western US. Such a spray will also help your outdoor herbs cope with our Southern cold snaps, as well.

MOST OF ALL- ENJOY YOUR HERBS!

If you can meet the few requirements of most herbs, you'll be a successful herb grower. Herbs are such a joy to grow because they take much less care than most flowering annuals and even perennials. With regular deep watering, a little fertilizer and sun, you will be amazed at how quickly small herb plants brought home from a nursery will grow. In just a few short weeks, you'll have ample product to use in all your cooking.

If you're a very new herb gardener, grow the herbs you already use, either in dry form or that you purchase fresh. You'll likely be more focused on your plants if you already have uses for them.


Here are two of our favorite culianry herbs: rosemary and oregano growing together in a bed just outside the back door... close to the kitchen.

Then, when you feel confident in your growing practices and in using the herbs you are growing, that's when it's time to branch out. Try one or two new herbs each season to stretch your culinary experiences and your gardening prowess. Soon, you'll be so comfortable growing your herbs, you'll wonder what took you so long to begin growing your own flavorful, useful and lovely herb plants.

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color. -Maya Angelou, poet (b. 1928)