Growing Your Own Herbs

Have you thought about growing your own herbs, but didn't think you had space? All you really need is a sunny spot, and a few pots.

You can find ready to plant seedlings at any nursery or farmers market. Choose large pots, and be sure they have drainage holes. You want plenty of room for the roots to grow. Use planting soil, compost and slow release fertilizer. Fish emulsion is good for feeding established plants. Combine, one part compost to 4 parts soil.

Put some soil mixture in bottom of the pot, and place plants in the pot. Pull soil around plants firmly. The soil should be about an inch below the pot's rim. Sprinkle in fertilizer as directed on package, and soak with water. Test the soil often for moisture. Reach into the pot with your finger about an inch deep, and if soil feels dry, water.

When your plants develop leaves you can start clipping. Shape as you go, the more you clip, the better your plants will produce.

Choosing Your Plants:

1. Sage has an earthy flavor, and long leaves of dusty green or purple. It will bloom in long spirals of violet or white flowers.
2. Chives have long thin leaves and are oniony.
3. Oregano is a vertical, spreading herb with oval dark green leaves.
4. Basil is ruffled, purple or both and tastes lemony.
5. Rosemary has dark green needle like leaves, and small blue flowers. It also comes in spreading forms.
6. Thyme is a creeping, trailing herb that has many shades of green, and has a citrus flavor.
7. One tlb.of fresh herb is the equivalent of one tsp dried.

You can grow herbs alone or in combinations, creating mini gardens in a pot. Be sure to combine plants with similar needs. Sun loving oregano and thyme will thrive together. Try sage and basil together and always place the tallest plant in the middle of the pot with smaller growing plants around the edge of the pot. Try creeping thyme by tall rosemary.

Enjoy your gardening in a pot, and please let me know how it works out.