Herbs are a great addition to any garden, both for their culinary and medicinal uses. But before you can enjoy the fruits of your herb garden, you need to know how to grow them! Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to grow four popular herbs: basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender.
Basil
Basil is a fast-growing annual herb that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To start seeds indoors, plant in late winter and transplant once seedlings are about 6 inches tall. When transplanting basil outside, be sure to space plants about 18 inches apart. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Harvest basil leaves when they are young and tender—this will encourage new growth. To dry basil, hang upside down in a dark, dry place or lay on a screen in a single layer.
How To Grow Basil From Seedlings
While it may seem like a daunting task to grow basil from seedlings, with a little patience and care, it can be easily done. First, make sure to select a healthy seedling from your local nursery or garden center. Then, fill a small pot with moistened potting mix and gently loosen the roots of the seedling. Next, plant the seedling in the pot, making sure to cover the roots but not the stem. Once the seedling is in place, water well and place in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks you should see new growth. With a little love and attention, you can enjoy fresh basil all summer long!
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary can be started from seed, but it is easier to propagate from cuttings taken from an existing plant. To take cuttings, snip off 6-inch sections of stem from a healthy plant and remove the bottom leaves. Plant the cuttings in moist potting mix and keep them warm (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and humid until new growth appears. Once roots have formed, transplant cuttings into the garden spaced 12 inches apart. Water regularly; rosemary is drought-tolerant but will produce more leaves if given sufficient moisture. Harvest rosemary by snipping off individual stems as needed. Rosemary can also be dried by hanging upside down in a dark, dry place or by laying on a screen in a single layer.
How To Harvest Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its pungent, slightly minty flavor pairs well with both poultry and fish, and it can also be used to make a delicious tea. Rosemary is relatively easy to grow, but if you’re not careful, it’s easy to damage the plant when harvesting the leaves. Here are a few tips on how to harvest rosemary without killing the plant:
First, wait until the plant is established before you start harvesting. Once the plant has several sets of leaves, you can start taking small handfuls of leaves at a time. Avoid taking more than a third of the leaves from any one branch, as this can weaken or damage the plant.
Next, use sharp scissors or pruners to cut the leaves from the stem. Cut just below where the leaves meet the stem, taking care not to damage the stem itself. Be sure to only cut what you need – any leaves that you don’t use right away can be dried for later use.
Finally, remember to give your rosemary plant some TLC after harvesting. Water it regularly and fertilize it according to package directions. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh rosemary without harming your plant.
Thyme
Thyme is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Thyme can be started from seed or propagated from cuttings taken from an existing plant. If starting from seed, sow indoors in late winter and transplant outdoors once seedlings are about 6 inches tall and temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit—thyme does not tolerate frost well. If taking cuttings, snip off 4-inch sections of stem from a healthy plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant in moist potting mix; keep warm (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and humid until new growth appears. Once roots have formed, transplant cuttings into the garden spaced 8 inches apart; water regularly until established then water only during dry spells. Harvest thyme by snipping off individual stems as needed; thyme can also be dried by hanging upside down or laying on a screen in a single layer as described above for basil and rosemary..
How To Grow Thyme In a Pot
Though often thought of as a garnish, thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’re short on space, you can even grow thyme in a pot. Here’s how:
First, choose a pot that is at least 6 inches wide and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, and then water thoroughly. Next, sow the thyme seeds evenly on the surface of the soil. Press them gently into the soil, but don’t cover them completely. After sowing, water again lightly.
Thyme seeds will usually germinate within 14-21 days. Once they’ve sprouted, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest remain. Thyme doesn’t like to be crowded, so make sure to give each plant plenty of room to grow. Continue to water regularly, and in 6-8 weeks your thyme plants will be ready to harvest. To dry thyme for future use, simply hang it upside down in bunches in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7). Lavender can be started from seed but it is easier to propagate from divisions taken from an existing plant—look for plants that are 3 to 4 years old as they will have the strongest root system. To take divisions, carefully dig up the entire plant being careful not to damage the roots then use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into sections making sure each section has several healthy shoots with roots attached. Plant divisions 18 inches apart in prepared beds; water regularly until established then water only during dry spells—lavender is very drought tolerant! Harvest lavender by cutting stems back to 1/3 of their original length—this will encourage new growth—and removing the flowers which can be dried as described above for basil, rosemary, and thyme..
How To Grow Lavender In Pot
Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. While lavender typically prefers to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, it can also be successfully grown in a pot. When choosing a pot for lavender, it is important to select one that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. The pot should also have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. To help the lavender thrive, it is important to use a light, well-drained potting mix and to water the plant evenly. With a little care, lavender can make a welcome addition to any indoor or outdoor space.
How To Grow Lavender From Seeds Indoors
Spring is the perfect time to start growing lavender from seed. Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is easy to grow, and it can be used in a variety of ways. While you can purchase lavender plants from a nursery, it is equally easy to grow lavender from seed. The key to success is to start the seeds indoors, so that they have a head start on the growing season.
Here are some tips on how to grow lavender from seed:
– Start your seeds in pots or trays filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pots in a sunny location, such as a south-facing windowsill.
– Keep the soil moist but not soggy. You can cover the pots with plastic wrap or a lid to help retain moisture.
– Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic and water the plants regularly.
– When the plants are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or into your garden bed. Space the plants about 12 inches apart.
With a little care, you can easily grow lavender from seed indoors and enjoy its beauty and fragrance all summer long!
Herbs are easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden! With this guide, you’ll be able to successfully grow four popular herbs: basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Just remember to give them plenty of sun and well-drained soil—herbs are very drought tolerant so you won’t need to worry about watering them too frequently once they’re established!