Herbs and spices are an essential part of cooking, and growing an herb garden is a great way to have fresh, organic herbs at your fingertips.

In this article, we will provide tips on how to make an herb garden and which herbs to use.

We will also integrate the previous article on how to plan and plant a spice garden and which spices are especially recommended.

Planning Your Herb Garden

When planning your herb garden, it is important to consider its design and location.

Herbs are not only used for cooking, but they also provide an aesthetic appeal.

The garden should be decorated to create an eye-catching feature, with narrow paths that facilitate easy access for weeding, culling and gathering.

You may want to surround the garden with natural stones or bricks.

Most herbs prefer partial shade and protection from the wind.

While they can grow in full sunlight, it is not necessary.

The most suitable place for herbs is near a protected wall or fence.

You can grow them in your garden, on a windowsill in the kitchen, or in planters and containers on the balcony.

Herb gardens are not only decorative and useful, but they can also act as a barrier to keep certain harmful insects away from the house.

For example, mint with its pungent smell planted near windows and doors will keep ants away.

The soil for herb gardens does not need to be fertile or special soil.

They will develop well in untreated garden soil as long as they are in a corner lit by sunlight and receive sufficient moisture.

Avoid feeding herbs with chemical fertilizers, instead provide a solution of sifted powder of water-soluble compost, or organic fertilizer.

It is advisable to start planting or sowing herbs at the end of March (after the danger of cold has passed), with an interval of about 20 cm between each herb.

Water the garden two to three times a week and clean the rows of weeds and rake the soil every week for aeration.

Common Herbs to Use in Your Garden

Chives and Dill

Chives and dill are the most sensitive herbs and the most difficult to grow. Chives are a basic plant in any herb garden and are special in taste and scent.

It is used to season cheeses, dips and salads. It tastes like onion, without the residual taste.

Once the plant is established, it will develop and grow for a long time.

During the last winter months, the green leaves turn yellow and disappear temporarily.

In the spring, the chives will resume their growth, with thicker leaves than the previous season. Sometimes, spherical lilac inflorescences develop on short stems and then seeds.

The dill is a plant that is recommended as a medicine against headache and to calm the digestive system.

In the food sector, it is used to season soups, salads, sauces, as well as in meat and fish dishes and to pickle cucumbers (leaves and seeds).

The dill can be planted in early autumn or spring in all regions of the country, in light, well-drained and sunny soil.

The long flower-bearing stems are a necessary addition to pickling cucumbers.

Parsley

Parsley is the most common herb used in the kitchen and is highly recommended for eating and drinking the juice from the leaves because of its high content of vitamin C and iron.

Coriander

Coriander has leaves similar to parsley leaves, but their taste is special and different.

The leaves are used to season soups, meat dishes, fish, and salads.

It develops well in all types of soil, but needs full sunlight.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is very easy to grow.

It is best to plant lavender in a well-drained soil in a sunny spot.

The purple flowers and silver leaves of lavender can be used to make tea or added to desserts.

Lavender can also be used for medicinal purposes such as promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a flavorful herb that is a favorite among many cooks.

It is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry conditions and prefers well-drained soil.

Rosemary can be used to add flavor to roasted meats, vegetables, and soups.

It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe muscle pain.

Sage

Sage is an herb that is often used in traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as stuffing.

It is a hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Sage can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and soups.

It is also believed to have medicinal properties such as reducing inflammation and improving memory.

Thyme

Thyme is an herb that is known for its strong, earthy flavor.

It is a hardy plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Thyme can be used to add flavor to meats, vegetables, and soups.

It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat sore throats and coughs.

There are several varieties of thyme with different flavors.

The most common are those flavored with zaatar, or lemon.

Mint

The most popular spice plant and it is not easy and simple to grow it on the balcony or in the yard.

The mint must be planted at regular intervals of 40 cm between the seedlings and 40 cm between the rows, but it is also possible to plant only one seedling that will quickly produce branches in all directions and cover free areas.

The most common use is for hot or cold tea.

The mint leaves can also be added as a spice to meat and fish dishes, to salads, sauces and vinegar.

The plant is also used in medicinal preparations to cure colds and coughs.

Lemon grass

A cold sensitive plant and in winter the leaves turn brown and dry.

During the growing season, when they lack water, the leaves roll.

It is suitable for seasoning fish, soups and oil and as an addition to tea.

Louisa

A shrub with light green leaves that have a lemon scent.

It grows slowly and is sensitive to low temperatures, winds and strong radiation.

It is suitable for growing on the edge of the spice bed in the shade of bushes or fences, or in a rockery.

Lemon geranium or spicy geranium

is a perennial shrub that reaches a height of up to 1 meter and belongs to the geranium family.

It is resistant to difficult growing conditions and spreads widely in the garden.

The purple blooms are not impressive, but the leaves have a pleasant smell and can be added to tea

Once you have chosen the herbs you want to grow, it’s time to plant them.

You can plant the herbs from seeds or purchase already established plants from a nursery.

When planting seeds, you need to follow the instructions on the seed packet regarding the planting depth and spacing.

Ensure that you water the plants regularly and mulch around them to retain moisture in the soil.

Maintaining your herb garden is essential to ensure that the plants thrive.

Here are some tips on how to maintain your herb garden:

Watering:

Herbs require regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist.

You need to water the plants early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation.

Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

Herbs require regular feeding to boost their growth and flavor.

You can use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or bone meal to feed your plants.

Ensure that you follow the instructions on the fertilizer package regarding the application rate.

Pruning:

Herbs require regular pruning to prevent them from becoming too leggy and to promote bushier growth.

You need to prune the plants regularly to remove dead leaves and stems.

Pest control:

Herbs are prone to pest attacks such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

You need to inspect your plants regularly for signs of pest infestation and take appropriate measures to control them.

You can use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or companion planting.