Planting and Growing a Productive Herb Garden

End of Summer…

August marks the final full month of summer, leaving many to ponder where time is going. With the fall season around the corner, officially beginning on September 22nd, people living in many parts of the U.S. welcome less humidity and cooler temperatures. However, the change is often met with melancholy for avid gardeners who bid farewell to the rich harvests of their summer gardens. Though the growing season may close on outdoor gardening activities, it doesn’t mean the end of fresh flavors. For some who live in mild temperatures, fall is a prime time for planting hardy herbs such as Rosemary and mint outside. However, gardeners who live in areas with fluctuating temperatures can easily turn their attentions to growing a multitude of herbs indoors year-round.

For Indoor Herbs…

Herbs thrive in light and most require about 6 hours of sunlight each day. Thus, a bright south-facing window and non-drafty space is often a preferred space for growing herbs. For dark spaces, a grow light may be necessary. Since most herbs do not fare well in temperature extremes, they tend to like indoor temperatures which are comfortable and steady. Herbs can be planted in separate containers to avoid overcrowding or be planted with specific herbs that are compatible, such as sage and thyme, and possess similar care and moisture requirements. Before planting herbs, consider the herb’s root size potential when choosing a container. For a windowsill herb garden, an organic soilless potting mix is often a good choice. For indoor containers, a good potting mix is optimal. Herbs can be purchased at a nursery, propagated, or started from seed. Often, the easiest way to start an herb garden is with the purchase of an herb garden kit that comes with materials, such as seeds and pots, and with instructions.

Gardening Fun Continues…

Though tomato harvests and other such summer produce diminish with the change of seasons, gardening adventures can easily continue thanks to herbs. Folks who enjoy gardening don’t have to stop. Instead, they can switch to growing flavorful herbs indoors. Newbies can also get in on the planting fun, as growing herbs requires minimal skills and limited care requirements. Thus, the wind down of summer does not signal the end of gardening pleasure. Rather, it opens doors to growing productive gardens full of fantastic, tasty, and healthy herbs for all to enjoy.

Some Easy-to-Grow Herbs Include:

Basil, Greek oregano, Rosemary, thyme, mint, parsley, lemon-balm, and more.