Simply Herbs: Getting the Garden that’s Right for You

A person could go crazy trying to figure out which herbs to put in her herb garden…which ones prefer sun or shade…which ones prefer dry or moist soil…which ones grow in which zones…It’s overwhelming!  So, as with everything else I do, I keep it simple...really simple.

To help you keep it simple as well, here are some suggestions for designing and planting the herb garden that’s right for you.  And yes, you can do it; and yes, it really is simple; and yes, it is extremely enjoyable.

      1. Choose herbs that you like.  Sounds easy enough, but many people don’t take the time to think about what herbs they actually like.  Don’t be tempted to purchase whatever happens to be on the shelf at the Big Box Garden Center.  Ask yourself: What herbs do I use in my cooking?  What herbs do I like to smell?  What herbs do I find attractive?

       To start with, only choose about FOUR herbs (maybe three for cooking and one for fragrance).  You can add more later, but there is no need to get overwhelmed when you're just starting out.

      2. Choose herbs that you can easily grow.  Do a little research (key word: little) just to make sure the herbs you like can be grown in your zone.  (If they are sold at your local garden center, then chances are they will grow in your zone.)  I suggest starting with perennial herbs; again, that’s because I like to keep it simple and don’t want to replant every year.

      3. Choose a location.  I always recommend incorporating utilitarian plants into the permanent decorative landscaping, and the same is true for herbs.  However, you may be happier having herbs all together in one designated garden.  If you are interested in using your herbs for culinary purposes, choose a location close to the kitchen.  Personally, I had zero luck growing herbs in an indoor container, so I wouldn't recommend that if you're trying to keep it simple.  Also, most herbs prefer full sun, with only some tolerating shade.  Just make a note of that during your research.

4. Plan your garden.  Once you have decided on about four herbs you would like to grow, think about the placement of each herb based on its size.  Put taller herbs toward the back so that they don’t hide the smaller, low-growing plants.

5. Acquire and plant.  Acquire your herbs in one of two ways: transplant a friend’s herbs or purchase plants from a garden center (this second option is probably best for a new gardener).  Plant herbs according to the instructions, add some compost to the soil, mulch (I use pine straw), organic fertilize, and water.  Keep the herbs well watered (every day or two in the beginning), and enjoy!