If you love to garden and cook, you should consider growing an herb garden to enhance both. Growing fresh herbs can heighten the flavor in any meal. For some reason, many people never consider an herb garden, thinking it is too difficult. Herb gardens do not require special soil, they only require sunlight and water, this is the easiest garden to grow. You could plant the variety of herbs you like most and have wonderful fresh flavors to enjoy all year long. Herbs can be grown in containers on a window sill, they are great for people living in apartments or homes without yard space.

Growing an herb garden can be started with seedlings, indoors in early spring. When the weather warms up your plants will be ready to put in the ground outside. Start the herb seeds in 4 inch containers in a sunny location or in a greenhouse, if you have one. You can use a variety of containers such as flats or trays instead of the individual pots. If you plan to use old containers thoroughly clean them with one part bleach to nine parts water this will protect your herbs from any disease organisms.

Some people will choose a larger container and grow two, three, or even four herb plants together. To ensure the best flavor is produced, flower heads must be pinched off. Many types of herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley are annuals, which means they only last one year. If you have room outdoors, you could grow an herb garden consisting of larger plants such as lavender and rosemary, which produce sprigs to last years. Herbs such as sage, mint, and chives are perennials, which means they continue growing year after year but will require some attention to ensure ongoing growth such as cutting them back.

If you have poor soil such as heavy clay you may want to consider growing your herb garden plants in a raised bed. Raised bed planter boxes can be made easily and filled with a rich soil mixture. These boxes provide great drainage that most all herbs require. Place the planter boxes in an area that receives plenty of sun, possibly even a spot near the kitchen for easy access. These planters are also great for planting and growing summer veggies or spring and
summer flowers for cutting.

Growing an herb garden is really easier than you think. You can begin today to grow your own herbs such as basil, chives, tarragon, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and sage today. Freshly cut herbs add so much more flavor to any recipe.