Lynnguistics - Designing an Herb Garden

DESIGNING AN HERB GARDEN

Flowering plants are either annuals, biennials, or perennials. An annual completes its life cycle in on season. That means it grows from seed, flowers, forms new seed for the next season's growth and died. Biennials complete their life cycle in two years. The first year they put out green growth and the second year, they flower, set seed and die. Perennials are plants that can live more than two years. They often die back into the ground at some point in the year but the roots remain alive and, after a dormant period, send out new growth.

In general, herbs grow best in good, loose, well-drained soil supplied with a moderate amount of organic material and compost in a location that gets between five and six hours of sunshine a day. Grow herbs with similar water and exposure requirements together. A simple plot or raised bed located on the sunniest side of the house is perfect for herbs.

For best results, follow basic landscape design guidelines when planting herb gardens. Place taller plants such as dill and fennel so that they don't shade the shorter herbs such as chives or the sprawling herbs such as thyme. Combine herbs that have contrasting flower and leaf tones and different textures and shapes. Group a selection of herbs with flowers that bloom at the same time for one burst of activity or group those that bloom at different times from spring to fall for months of beautiful garden color.

Make individual beds or use containers for herbs that spread rapidly such as mint. Otherwise these aggressive herbs may eventually take over the yard.

Place markers where you have sown seeds or planted seedlings so you will have no trouble locating and identifying the plants as they grow. Do not plant any food crop in raised beds of preservative treated lumber.