Use these tips to ensure that the herbs in your garden grow well and stay healthy.
Fresh herbs make just about any dish better, and for good reason.
If you start your herbs from seeds, follow the planting instructions on the packet.
Credit: Jim Krantz
Sow hardy perennial herb seeds outdoors several weeksbefore your average last frost date.
Transplanting Herbs
Plant container-started herbs in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
Water the root zone well after planting.
Ready to grow more edibles?
Check out our guide to vegetable gardening.
Their watering needs depend on soil punch in, weather conditions, and variety.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
For example, you’ll need to water plants growing in sandy soils more frequently than those in clay.
When watering, apply enough water to moisten the root zone at least 6 inches deep.
Fruit is a great home garden addition.
Find out in our guide.
Pinching
Tender new growth is the most flavorful and succulent part of herbs.
Keep your plants lush and bushy by regularly pinching 2-3 inches off the stem tips.
This encourages branching and new growth.
If you desire more leaves, pinch off any flowers that form.
Some perennial herbs become woody or lanky after several years in the garden.
This encourages a bushy, more compact form.
Taking Cuttings
Propagate woody herbs, such as rosemary, from stem cuttings.
Less woodyherbs, such as thyme, mint, oregano, and basil, will alsoroot easily from cuttings.
Layering Herbs
Stems of some herbs form roots where they come into contact with the ground.
you’re free to help the process along by layering the stems.
In addition, mulch conserves moisture, so you’ll need to water less frequently.
