The Perfect Guide to Growing Herbs!

You may be wondering… what are herbs?

• Herbs are plants with fragrant or aromatic properties, which are chemical properties. They are used to flavor foods, used in fragrances (to smell good), and part of natural medicines. Herbs are the green or leafy part of the plant and are used either fresh or dried!

What are examples of herbs? (This an extremely limited list, there are proximately100 various kinds of herbs!)

• Parsley.
• Mint.
• Dill.
• Basil.
• Sage.
• Rosemary.
• Thyme.
• Cilantro.

Let us go through the process on how you can grow your own herbs! 

1. Herbs do not need to be grown outside: if you give the herbs the right condition they can be grown indoors. 
2. Herbs need A LOT of sunlight to grow: Most herbs are best grown in full sun for up to `six hours per day). 
3. They are best grown in raised beds or planters: This provides warmth and a sheltered area for the herbs to survive. 

Now here are some tips on how to grow your herbs!

• Pick out your favorite type of herb you want to grow. You can find herbs at your local nursery or market. 

– Italian parsley is one of the easiest herbs to grow and can be harvested any time, so you will be able to get at least 12 months of fresh parsley.

-Rosemary is an herb that requires a lot of attention. It can last for several years and is a useful source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

– Basil is grown from a seed and is extremely easy to grow from home, but it requires a lot of maintenance. 

There are many different types of herbs and it important to find the write one for you depending on how you want to use them and how much time that you have. 

• Next, buy the pots to grow the herbs. You will want to buy pots with drainage holes in the bottom, or you can drill holes in the bottom for yourself. If you are keeping your herbs indoor buy a drip plate for the drainage. In addition, roots need air as well as lots of water. 
• Buy lots of soil and consider buying rocks for the bottom of the pot. Rocks will help with the drainage of the herbs. Quality soil will drain well and keep nutrients and moisture for the herbs. Typical gardening soil is the best for herbs because it provides the most drainage. You will want to fill the pots nearly full of soil, but leave space for growth. 
• Loosen up the roots and cover with remaining dirt to allow the best growth for the herbs then place the pot in a sunny area. 
• Water the herbs regularly. Herbs need to be watered every few days and make sure to check on them in case the soil starts to dry up. 
• Harvest the herbs. Herbs are best harvested before they start to flower otherwise leaf production declines.
• Enjoy! Depending on which herb you decide to grow you can eat or use the herbs once you have picked them off. 

I hope this post has helped you to decide to start growing herbs!

Written by an Earth Volunteer!

Sources:

How to Grow Herbs

https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-are-herbs-995714https://www.ecooutdoor.com.au/garden-life/top-8-must-herbs-grow-home/