It's Spring, Let's Start Planting!
25 MAR 2021
How to Grow an Herb Garden
It’s Spring, lets start planting!
- The location for growing Herbs is important, most prefer full sun (minimum four hours) as long as regular summer temperatures don't rise above 90 degrees. If you have very warm summers, then consider planting in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade in the summertime, or a place that receives filtered light (such as under a tree that allows some light to pass through).
- For planting Herbs, you need approximately 1 to 4 feet in diameter for each plant, depending on the plant. Here are some general guidelines for plant sizes:
- 3-4 feet - Rosemary, Sage, Mints, Oregano, Marjoram
- 2 feet - Basils, Thyme, Tarragon, Savory
- 1 foot - Cilantro, Chives, Dill, Parsley
- Prepare the soil, digging with a large garden fork loosens soil that has become compacted over the years. This allows water to drain and creates space for plant roots to reach down into the soil. This is the most important step--shortcuts here are disastrous for your plants. Add compost to the soil, about an inch, mixing it into the soil. This adds fertilizer to the garden.
- For healthy, strong plants, water them when they become dry. Most Herbs like to be watered as soon as the soil located a couple of inches below the surface is dry to the touch. Since temperatures and humidity cause drying times to vary every week, you must check the soil often. Do not over-water. More water is not better and can lead to diseases or just poor growing conditions for your Herbs, which will result in reduced growth.
- For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8" tall. By cutting close to a leaf intersection, your plants will regrow very quickly.
Herbs area easy to grow in containers. Herbs can be much easier to grow than many houseplants. All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for your plants to grow. Sunny decks, patios, and other such areas are great for container gardening. Container gardening requires diligent watering and regular feeding, but it can be easy and fun.
Chef Mark Stone and Chef Ryan deLeon will be working with many fresh herbs grown here at RattleSnake in our own Herb Garden!
For more great information on cooking with fresh herbs check out Gordon Ramsay’s website! The article ‘Essential Fresh Herb Guide’ is very informative, understanding the various herbs and how to work with herbs in your recipes!
https://hellskitchenrecipes.com/gordon-ramsays-fresh-herb
Beverly Finlayson, Clubhouse Manager