Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Herbs don’t require huge outlay or space and they are generally so easy that they basically grow themselves. Also, a herb garden can be as large or as small as you need it to be. The best place for herbs is a sheltered and sunny, north, east or west facing position near the house for quick and easy picking. It should be reasonably level and drain well. Soil on the heavy side can be improved with compost. Alternatively, plant herbs as companions among your veggies and flowers or make a container herb garden if the soil is heavy clay.
Designing your herb garden is the fun part. Don’t be in a rush. Browse through herb books; listen to other people’s ideas. Steal with your eyes.
Select a style that complements the rest of the garden and the look of your house. Formal herb gardens require straight lines and geometric shapes with elements arranged around a central axis. The area should be square or rectangular.
Informal herb gardens have flowing lines with curved beds and walkways and the aesthetic effect depends on plant combinations and groupings.
Flowers and shrubs can be added. Although the look is more exube-rant, a good plan is still very important. An informal design usually needs less initial structural work and is easier to maintain.
Make a complete list of all the herbs that’ll fit in with your theme.
Then refine your list to between five and 10 herbs.
This is a good number to start with. It’s also a good idea to divide your herbs between annual and perennial and classify them according to height.
When you have to replant annuals, you can avoid disturbing the roots of the perennials.
Clear and level the area and lay paving or pathways; put any other hard landscaping like fountains, birdbaths, arches and walls in place, then prepare the ground for the herbs. Dig down to a depth of 30cm, mixing in compost and other organic material to condition the soil. Rake smooth, water and leave overnight for the ground to settle.
Setting Out the Herbs
Before planting, set out the herbs in the positions you’d like to plant them. Space them according to their expected height and spread so they have enough room to reach their full potential. Doing this also lets you play with the design in terms of contrasting leaf colours and textures, growth habits and height. Often, what works on paper looks different in reality. Be prepared to spend some time moving the herbs around until you feel satisfied with the look.
Planting
- Water the herbs well before planting and loosen the root balls to encourage new root growth. Pinch out the tips of shrubby herbs to encourage a bushy habit. Incorporate some organic soil conditioner or organic fertiliser, such as bone or fishmeal in each planting hole.
- Firm the soil gently around the plant and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Newly planted herbs need regular watering. It’s better to water deeply and less frequently than little and often.
Growing herbs in winter requires a little more care
- Herbs for winter are best grown in pots so that they can ’follow the sun.’
- Herbs need sun for at least four hours a day during winter.
- Ideally keep the herbs outside during the day and bring them in at night.
- Keep them out of cold drafts. Watch for sunburn if the plant is kept indoors and too near a pane of glass.
- Don’t over water. Once a week is best and let the water drain away.
- Use a reputable commercial potting soil oil growing herbs in pots.
- Feed monthly with a light application of an organic fertiliser. Herbs grown for consumption should not receive artificial fertilisers.
Do:
- Start growing your herbs from seedlings when you’re starting out. Group similar herbs together - basil, parsley and coriander tend to work together as they require more water than most herbs. Thyme, sage and rosemary are well suited together as they like dry soil.
- Give your herbs their fair share of sun. They should be getting at least 6 hours of direct sun every day. Your best bet is to plant in a spot that’ll get morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon.
- Make sure any pot plants offer drainage so your herbs are not sitting in excess water. Drainage is the one hard and fast rule to growing herbs like a pro.
- Keep your perennials like oregano and mint contained by using a container or mesh bag when planting in flower beds. Dig at least 10cm and leave the rim poking out at ground level.
- Pick off flower buds as flowering requires energy use. By picking off flowers or buds your herbs can focus on growing delicious leaves.
- Use mulch to prevent perennials like mint from roaming when planting in garden beds. Mulch your herb garden with bark chips cuts down on watering and weeding. Regularly trim or prune leaves, particularly if you see browning leaves. Not only does this keep your plant healthy but it won’t waste energy on dying or old leaves.
Don’t:
- Plant all herb seedlings in pots as some only do well when planted in a garden. Do some research beforehand so you don’t end up buying herbs like coriander, fennel or anise if you can’t plant them in a garden.
- Plant different types of mint together, like spearmint, peppermint etc. If you do, you’ll end up with a weird mix of all their flavours in one plant.
- Overwater your herbs. It can be tempting because they love the sun but too much water will give them root rot. We suggest watering one once a week during winter and every second day in the peak of summer. Water established herbs only when the top 2-3cm of the soil is dry to the touch and then water thoroughly. Inspect for dryness daily in very dry weather.
- Plant perennials and annuals together as perennials like mint or oregano can take over, which ends up choking the other herbs.
- Plant herbs in tiny containers or pots as they need space to grow. Try something that’s about 20 cm to half a metre wide.
- Use a cracked or torn container when planting perennials in flower or garden beds - they’ll take over.
- Plant herbs in very wet conditions - most herbs need heat and moist soil to thrive, though some herbs, like mint, prefer drier soil.
