Herbs have long been used to naturally treat everyday health ailments and, of course, as popular seasonings in many meats, vegetables and other dishes. This is why many, looking to try their hand at gardening, will try to grow their own herb garden in order to maintain a fresh selection of their favorite common seasonings. Growing your own herbs from seed is a cost efficient way of getting the herbs you use every day, and can also be a fun hobby. However, for those who are new to herb gardening, the process of growing your own herbs from seeds can seem daunting. The good news is with the right basic knowledge of herb gardening, virtually anyone can grow and maintain a thriving garden of their own.
Choosing the Right Herb Seeds
There are some herbs that are easier to grow directly from seed than others. For gardeners who are new to herb gardening, choosing some of these notoriously easy to grow seeds may be the best way to start curating a healthy, thriving garden.
Basil– Basil is easy to grow and simple to transplant. Basil is a popular seasoning particularly for tomato juices and sauces.
Chervil– Chervil can be planted just eight inches apart, and are easy to freeze when fully matured. This is a popular herb for flavoring egg dishes.
Chives– Grow perennial chive plants from bulbets with ease. Chives are popular seasonings for egg dishes, salads and sauces.
Dill– Dill is easy to grow and can be grown along tender vegetables annually. Dill is a popular herb for pickling and to flavor many meats.
Sage– This popular herb is used in meats like pork and in poultry such as chicken and sausage as well as dressings. Sage is easy to maintain both indoors and out.
Thyme– Thyme may grow slowly; but it’s typically easy to handle, from seed, even for novice gardening. Thyme is a great herb for soups and poultry dressings.
Try some of these useful, yet easy to grow herbs in your own garden, from seeds that are typically very inexpensive and easy to find.
Maintaining a Healthy Herb Garden
Keeping a herb garden healthy is about more than just planting the right herbs and giving them water and sunlight. Herbs, more than many other plants, are known for attracting pests. This is usually an unavoidable issue, but one that can be remedied easily with the right approach.
Many times common pest issues can be treated with all natural pesticides. Remember, if you are going to be ingesting these herbs, you will want to be careful about the pest treatments you use.
White Vinegar– This is a popular treatment that can be used to help ward away pests by spraying your herbs weekly.
Lemon Balm Tea– Brew a tea made with lemon balm to get rid of aphids and squash bugs, and apply generously twice a week.
Powdered Kelp– If you have aphids or Japanese Beetles, spray a solution of water and powdered kelp on your herbs; this will also help nourish the plants.
Garlic and Hot Pepper– Mix together garlic, hot pepper and water and spray to repel many common garden insects.
If these solutions are not working, or if you are looking for a more professional and fast-acting approach; call a local professional pest control company. Most professional pest control companies will provide their clients with safe and natural treatments, designed specifically for use with delicate plants such as herbs.
