8 easy steps to Growing Herbs in Pots

Growing your own herbs (and vegetables) is an ever increasing interest across the world, whether for heatlh reasons, ecological reasons, or other. Let's face it, it's fun, resourceful and certainly therapeutic.....

I have previously posted an in depth article on growing your own herbs and vegetables (see links below) as well as other related articles on ways to do this effectively within the space you have. So do take a look at these posts again to refresh your mind on the various ways this simple, yet fun, task can be handled.

Effectively, you do not really need much space, especially to grow herbs (and even some of the smaller veggies such as lettuce, spinach and even lemons, for example). All you need is good soil, you need to water regularly, feed ocassionally and voila ... you can pick, and pick and pick, as you need, to concoct your own healthy salads, and other delicious meals, which somehow just taste that much better when grown in your own space and picked, with your own hands!!!

So onto growing herbs in pots.... this is an ideal solution for those with limited garden space, or like me, where the vegetable patch is just too far from the kitchen. So as we "speak" I am busy setting up a number of pots in a courtyard near our kitchen so that I can quickly pop out the door, and pick what I need, as I need it. OK, what is required for this simple task?

1. Firstly, and this is very important, find a suitable spot - you must have good light and at least 4-6 hours of "direct" sunlight, preferably not late afternoon (west) sun, which is just too harsh - if you have no option, then ensure that your herbs are watered daily, and try to position the pots in a way that they are semi sheltered by surrounding shrubs and trees to limit the direct afternoon sun.
2. Pots - a few large/ wide pots - what is important is the diameter of the pot rather than the height. If you cannot find wide (shorter) pots, then opt for smaller ones but then you will need more of them (it really depends on how many herbs and to what level you want to take this to). TIP: If you are a novice start with a few basic (and easy to grow) herbs - parsley, mint, oregano, basil, rocket, thyme, for example.
3. Soil - good quality potting soil and compost (mix the two - I prefer more compost than potting soil).
4. Herbs - the herbs you wish to plant - here, just remember that if the pot is wide you can plant more than one, or one type. Thyme for example creeps, so is perfect as a "groundcover" (which keeps the soil moist). Marjoram and some types of oregano are also good, another option is strawberries. Just do a bit of reserach first, see what you like and what is available. TIP: I always recommend you start with the herbs you know, you enjoy and will use. You can always add on more as time goes by.
5. Planting - plant the herbs - allowing a decent enough space for each to spread out and grow. For example, a larger bushier type in the centre (or back if placed against a wall, for example), such as basil, surrounded by parsley or thyme or marjoram or even chives....
6. Fertilise - add a sprinkling of good quality fertiliser, preferably organic types.
7. Water - water well. Regular watering is of course, the "secret". I always like to water any new seedlings lightly twice a day (if possible) morning and afternoon, for the first two weeks, therafter you revert to watering as needed. TIP: Always use the finger test i.e. push your forefinger into the soil, if evidently damp, don't water, if dry, water - use your discretion. Also bear in mind that pots in windy passageways and/ or in (west) afternoon sun, need MORE watering.
8. Picking - after about 2-3 weeks your herbs will be flourishing abundantly and you can pick to your hearts content. TIP: that the more you pick the more they produce, and also avoid the herb flowering too early - worst cuplrits in my mind are basil, rocket and some parsleys amongst others. Once they flower (=seed) they stop producing good quality leaves, so as flowers appear I nip them off. Also nipping the top growth means your herbs will bush out (= more leaves which is good) and not gain height (= less leaves, not good).

Of course, have fun whilst doing this and don't forget the sunscreen!!

The pics have been taken on my "trips" around gardens in Johannesburg, and are some great examples of potted herb gardens .....

Let me know how you fare.

Gena A lemon tree in a pot (this has to be a larger pot) surrounded by annuals and creeping herbs.

Links to previous posts on this subject:

Original post on setting up a herb & vegetable garden - click here

Also look through TAGS and select "growing herbs and vegetables" or click here to take you to all articles in this category.

Picture Credits: Gena D Photography

What's currently growing in the herb & vegetable garden?

Part of the herb garden - a quiet spot to sit and contemplate the day...

I recently attended an "open garden" in the suburbs of Johannesburg, where a wonderful herb and vegetable garden was incorporated as part of the "normal" flower garden - i.e. onions, cabbages, artichokes and others growing amidst poppies, nasturtiums, roses and annuals!!! It was truly fascinating as seldom does one come across a wonderful mix of the two, living and growing side by side.... These pictures are of some of the vegetables and fruits that are currently growing.
Granadilla flower

Artichoke

Onion flower (yep! bet you didn't know they're this pretty?!)

Fennel

Cabbage

Pomegranate flower

Bright lights spinach

Great garden inspiration ideas

Hey everyone!

Just going through email and came across this link which takes you to vast number of great ideas of things to do in the garden - both if you're in Spring or in Autumn - from preparing your garden, to making tin lanterns (very easy and quite effective), to making cushions, growing vegetables. and many other things of interest - take a look!

http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/gardening-ideas/v1

Picture Credit: Gena D Photography

Edible Landscaping

On the back of the vast interest shown in the articles on "growing your own herbs and vegetables, I came arcoss these great little articles from Better Homes & Gardens, that are definitely worth the read:

Growing your own vegetables: "edible landscaping"

Tips for growing an organic vegetable garden

and to read my previous entries on growing herbs and veggies, either click on the tag/ label "growing your own herbs and vegetables or click on links below:
Growing Your own herbs and Vegetables

Picture Credit: Better Homes & Gardens Gallery

Spring has Sprung

Spring is definitely here, the weather is warmer, the days a little longer, and there are blooms here and there ... This is generally a very busy time in the garden, being the best time to order mounds of good quality organic compost and feed your garden well. Watering will need to step up too as the days get warmer.

It's also the perfect time to start planning your herb/ vegetable patch and planning which annuals you want and where you want them ..... Have fun

Herb & Vegetable Gardening

In my recent article on herb and vegetable gardening, one of the options I suggested was making a raised bed in order to plant your edible garden. The latest copy of SA Garden (South African magazine) shows some wonderful examples of how you can do this, very easily with wood, logs and other items. See pictures/ article for inspiration.....

To read my previous article on "Growing your own Herbs and Vegetables " click here

A Tranquil Garden Space (part 2.)

This is the picture, referred to below, with the large waterfeature which separates the herb and vegetable garden from the remainder of the formal garden area.

Venue: Moon and Sixpence (see link below)

Picture taken by Gena D Photography

A Tranquil garden space.

This picture was taken at "Moon and Sixpence" (Muldersdrift, South Africa), of a small part, of what is a very large garden and property. This area encompasses predominantly the herb and vegetable garden and is a little more formal than one would normally find in a herb/ vegetable area. The beds are raised and pathways lined with gravel. In the forefront (not shown) is a large water feature surrounded by large trees. Just imagine ..... a breeze through the trees, the sound of trickling water, the crunch of gravel underfoot, the chattering of birds somewhere in the background .....a simple, effective and certainly very tranquil garden space.

For more info on this venue:

http://www.moonandsixpence.co.za/

to read my article on "Growing Your own Herbs and Vegetables":

http://www.gardenhomedesign.co.za/blog/?p=158

Picture taken by Gena D Photography

Growing your own herbs and vegetables.

This is a very trendy activity at the moment, but that aside, it has many benefits, not least that you get to eat fresh herbs and vegetables grown by you and only a few steps away from your kitchen door!

For those in the northern hemisphere, it's not too late to do something, even on a small scale and for those in the southern hemisphere... well you can start planning your space and requirements.

As I recently published a detailed article, with a number of options on how to tackle this very fascinating subject, I'll direct you straight to the Naturally Inspired Website blog, on : http://www.gardenhomedesign.co.za/blog/?p=158

If you have any queries or concerns, email me on tuxedo610@gmail.com. And also let me know if you decide to tackle this adventure and how it pans out for you!!

Have fun... and remember the sunscreen!!

G

PS. Before you go, leave me a comment (click on comments below).