There is something magical about growing a garden and utilizing its bounty. Perhaps one of the most useful gardens to grow is an herb garden. For centuries, individuals have been growing and harvesting herbs for meals and medicine. Tiara Chapman, LLELA Nature Preserve Coordinator, shares some tips for growing and enjoying herbs.
“My container herb garden consists of four main staples based on what types of dishes I cook often: rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano,” Tiara says. “The times when I need it, I only need a pinch, so why not grow it?”
Tiara suggests following these steps for beginning an herb garden. The process does not require a big investment. Instead, start small and build on what you have.
Materials:
Rosemary (4-inch pot)
Basil (4-inch pot)
Thyme (4-inch pot)
Oregano (4-inch pot)
Flowerpots or planters with good drainage (if not planting in-ground)
Organic potting soil (if planting in container)
Eggshells
Banana Peels
Coffee grounds
Step 1
“Remember herbs were initially weeds,” Tiara says. “Once established, they appreciate a light touch.” To help establish the herbs, Tiara suggests letting them “harden off” outside when you bring them home from the nursery. “This is when they get used to the temperature, winds and microclimate of your garden space.” She also suggests watering new herbs daily until they are planted in their “forever home.” Once planted, she suggests tapering off watering to every other day.
Step 2
Don’t forget to fertilize. “For a long time, I didn’t believe in buying fertilizers or ‘feeding’ my plants and garden,” Tiara says. “Then it clicked: if I’m anemic and take and iron supplement to ameliorate that, couldn’t plants be anemic and need supplements as well? Of course they can!” Tiara suggests utilizing items at home, such as eggshells for calcium, banana peels for potassium and coffee grounds for nitrogen and drainage.
Step 3
Harvest your herbs. This will encourage new growth. “If you don’t use it, you lose it!” Tiara says. “There are dozens of ways to preserve herbs, including vinegar infusions, drying, freezing and oil infusions. Try one or try them all!”
For more information on growing a home garden, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at agrilifeextension.tamu.edu.