Anyone have an herb garden?

mrshall1027

First I just have to say that I AM EXHUASTED!!!  H and I spent the last three full days working on our backyard and man, did we underestimate this project!!  I'll post pictures and full details soon as it's not complete yet.  We're hoping to have it done in the next two weeks.

For now, I need advice on starting up an herb garden.  We've built a fairly large L-shaped planter box that measures around 14' by 20" and 10' by 20", so plenty of room.  I'm planning on purchasing herbs that are already established versus the seeds; I'm thinking that will be easier in the long run...  Any advice??

mana8503

I have basil and mint in the Dinning room. I started from seeds, and keep them inside so I can keep using it in the winter. I want to do more outside but we need a raised bed because our land is all rocks.

Starting with plants is easier, but you'll have to check each plant to see if you have to replant each year. Like I think basil won't come back, but rosemary is more of a shrub. Mint will spread if you don't keep it contained.

brainybrunette

H and I have had a container herb garden for the past 3 years and it's always done pretty well. I've never started it from seeds, I've always bought established plants. I'd like to try starting them from seeds, but I'm lazy and like placing an already growing plant in the dirt LOL. We're grown basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, dill, chives, mint, and lavender. 

We put a layer of rocks at the bottom of the planter to help with drainage, then the soil. We've had luck with Miracle Moisture Control. We also feed them once a week with Miracle Grow Organic Plant food...it's a liquid that you mix with water. It looks and smells gross, but it really works. Container plants needs more watering than if they were in the ground, so I watered them most evenings.

I'm excited that we have a bigger deck in our new townhouse so that we can expand our "home farm". We've had luck with patio tomatoes and patio peppers, but I'd like to try a few other veggies this year. I've heard that carrots, lettuce, and a few other things do well in containers, so I'd like to try those.

Follow me on Pinterest, I created a "home farm" board last week with ideas for container gardens.

http://www.pinterest.com/brainy_brunette/home-farm/ 

catwine

I have tried growing from seed inside but mine got too wet and died...so then I planted some herbs that were already growing in my gardens.  I have creeping thyme, which is nice because it grows really fast and can spread quite the distance (I planted it in a place that has terrible soil because not much else will grow there).  

When we were deciding what to plant we chose herbs we use frequently in cooking (basil, thyme and oregano).  I planted them in an area with plenty of light and watered them daily.  The soil was pretty crappy...it's very rocky and dry but the plants all did well with regular watering.  When you plant them make sure to leave some space between plants!!  

Also, when you do harvest them it's best to do so first thing in the morning because that's when they have the most flavour.  Good luck!

xxjen015

I don't have either, but I'm really hoping to get some herbs going this year! All the herbs my MIL uses she plants already grown, but she also gets them mostly to say she's got them than to actually use them! I was toying with the idea of growing from seeds, but our Walmart didn't have most of them! We'll see! Let us know what you decide to do!

consciousdear88

We had a small in house setup at my inlaws, but it dwindled due to lack of light. I know we're definitely planning on a ton of gardening once we get our own place. We tried doing a small planter box of vegetables last year, but eventually transferred the plants to my brother and sister in law's house.

mrshall1027

Nic12184 said:

H and I have had a container herb garden for the past 3 years and it's always done pretty well. I've never started it from seeds, I've always bought established plants. I'd like to try starting them from seeds, but I'm lazy and like placing an already growing plant in the dirt LOL. We're grown basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, dill, chives, mint, and lavender. 

We put a layer of rocks at the bottom of the planter to help with drainage, then the soil. We've had luck with Miracle Moisture Control. We also feed them once a week with Miracle Grow Organic Plant food...it's a liquid that you mix with water. It looks and smells gross, but it really works. Container plants needs more watering than if they were in the ground, so I watered them most evenings.

I'm excited that we have a bigger deck in our new townhouse so that we can expand our "home farm". We've had luck with patio tomatoes and patio peppers, but I'd like to try a few other veggies this year. I've heard that carrots, lettuce, and a few other things do well in containers, so I'd like to try those.

Follow me on Pinterest, I created a "home farm" board last week with ideas for container gardens.

http://www.pinterest.com/brainy_brunette/home-farm/ 

I started following you a while ago, I think while wedding planning.  

I think I've got a pretty good plan together based off what you all said and talking to a local nursery.  The nursery sells 4"x4" herbs, veggies, and fruits for $2.80 each and they were able to give me some good advice over the phone.  I'm hoping to go up there on Saturday and get this thing going.  

My stepdaughters are super excited and want to help with all the planting.  We told them they can also pick out some flowers and things to plant around their playhouse.  We want it to look like this:

brainybrunette

That play house is SO cute!!!

Good luck with the gardening : )