Outdoor Herb Culture Tips
Most
commonly used herbs will grow in the Northeast. If you have
room, you can make herbs part of your vegetable garden. However,
you may prefer to grow herbs in a separate area, particularly
the perennials.
Herb Garden Size
First, decide on the size of your herb garden; this will depend
on the amount of variety you want. Generally, a kitchen garden
can be an area 20 by 4 feet. Individual 12- by 18-inch plots
within the area should be adequate for separate herbs. You might
like to grow some of the more colorful and frequently used
herbs, such as parsley and purple basil, as border plants. Keep
annual and perennial herbs separate. A diagram of the area and
labels for the plants also will help.
Site and Soil Conditions
When
selecting the site for your herb garden, consider drainage and
soil fertility. Drainage is probably the most important single
factor in successful herb growing. None of the herbs will grow
in wet soils. If the garden area is poorly drained, you will
have to modify the soil for any chance of success. To improve
drainage at the garden site, remove the soil to a depth of 15 to
18 inches. Place a 3-inch layer of crushed stone or similar
material on the bottom of the excavated site. Before returning
the soil to the bed area, mix some compost or sphagnum peat and
sand with it to lighten the texture. Then, refill the beds
higher than the original level to allow for settling of the
soil.
The
soil at the site does not have to be especially fertile, so
little fertilizer should be used. Generally, highly fertile soil
tends to produce excessive amounts of foliage with poor flavor.
Plants, such as chervil, fennel, lovage, and summer savory,
require moderate amounts of fertilizer. Adding several bushels
of peat or compost per 100 square feet of garden area will help
improve soil condition and retain needed moisture.
Sowing Herb Seed
Nearly all herbs can be grown from seed. Although rust infects
mints, very few diseases or insects attack herbs. In hot, dry
weather, red spider mites may be found on low-growing plants.
Aphids may attack anise, caraway, dill, and fennel.
A few
herbs, such as mints, need to be contained or they will overtake
a garden. Plant them in a no. 10 can or bucket; punch several
holes just above the bottom rim to allow for drainage. A drain
tile, clay pot, or cement block also can be used. Sink these
into the ground; this should confine the plants for several
years.
Herbs
can also be grown in containers, window boxes, or hanging
baskets. These methods will require more care, especially
watering.
If
possible, sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter. Transplant
seedlings outdoors in the spring. A light, well-drained soil is
best for starting the seedlings indoors. Be careful not to cover
the seeds too deeply with soil. Generally, the finer the seed,
the shallower it should be sown. Sow anise, coriander, dill, and
fennel directly in the garden since they do not transplant well.
Most
biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the
ground. Work the soil surface to a fine texture and wet it
slightly. Sow the seeds in very shallow rows and firm the soil
over them. Do not sow the seeds too deeply. Fine seeds, such as
marjoram, savory, or thyme, will spread more evenly if you mix
them with sand. Some of the larger seeds can be covered by as
much as one-eighth of an inch of soil. With fine seeds, cover
the bed with wet burlap or paper to keep the soil moist during
germination. Water with a fine spray to prevent washing away of
the soil.
Cutting and Division
Cutting and division also are useful in propagating certain
herbs. When seeds are slow to germinate, cuttings may be the
answer. Some herbs, however, spread rapidly enough to make
division a main source of propagation. Tarragon, chives, and
mint should be divided while lavender should be cut.
"Adapted from publication NE-208, produced by the Cooperative
Extension Services of the Northeast States."
