The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to grow your herbs indoors or outdoors. Let's start with indoor herb gardens. One huge benefit to growing your herb garden indoors is that don't have to worry about the seasons and you can continue to grow your herbs through the winter months. Depending on how invested you want to get, you can choose to look into getting a hydroponic kit or just some simple planters for your local hardware store. There are tons of creative containers out there as well if you want to spice up the look of your garden. I've seen everything from mason jars to milk cartons to wine crates.
Some helpful tips to remember: you should choose a spot near a window that gets several hours of sunlight every day. You don't want it to be so hot the plants will overheat, but they do need sunlight to thrive. It's good to make a note and use the spacing guides on the seed packages so the plants aren't overcrowded and have adequate drainage. If using multiple herbs in a single planter, beware that some herbs like very moist soil, whether over moist soil will kill the roots of other herbs.
Don't want to put your plants inside? You always have the option to create your herb garden outdoors. When starting your garden decide whether you want your herbs in the ground or in planters. Once that's decided, choose a spot for your garden that has enough space for what you want, as well as the same sunlight requirement as the indoor garden. Other things to think about with an outdoor garden drainage. Will the plants get enough drainage? A lot of creepy crawlies will avoid herbs, but still cautious when digging around and tending your garden. Be sure to follow the seed package instructions for spacing and any other tips for planting.
Let your herbs grow to between six and eight inches before you harvest them. Any smaller and you risk killing the plant itself. So, how do you know when the plant is ready? Read up about the different herbs, taking note of any instructions on the seed package. For example, chives can be cut fresh as they grow. On the other hand, dill should be plucked right as the flowers open. Thyme leaves and flowers can be cut when the blossoms first open as well. See online harvesting guides for information on your specific plants.
http://earthnotes.tripod.com/harvest.htm
and http://www.gardenguides.com/530-harvesting-drying-herbs.html
are great resources.
Not sure you need all the herbs you harvested? There is always the option to dry and store the leftover herbs. Remember that fresh herbs will always have added flavor to them. When drying them, you will lose a little of the flavor. When drying herbs, it's best to work in small amounts so they will dry faster. Use sharp shears to ensure you get a clean-cut, this will help keep the plant healthier. One method used for drying is to hang the herbs in small bundles.
Don't let growing your herbs scare you. They take a little time to start and maintain, but the benefit in flavors is awesome! Stop wasting your hard-earned coin on store-bought herbs and start your own herb garden today! Feel free to leave us a comment below about your own herb garden. We would love to see any pictures or hear any stories!
Want more information:
http://www.tastefulgarden.com/store/pc/Herb-Gardening-for-Beginners-d19.htm
http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-plant-a-kitchen-herb-garden
http://herbgardening.com/