If you’re anything like the average herb gardener, it can be mind-boggling looking through seed catalogs and trying to choose just a few varieties to plant. There are so many types of herbs to plant – you’re probably tempted to plant almost all of them! But most of us don’t have the space to plant that many, or the time or energy to care for them all.
Types of Herbs
Herbaceous Herbs
Herbaceous herbs are perennial. They die back during the winter, but come back again in the spring. Some common herbs of this type include oregano, tarragon, bee balm, mint, chives, sweet fennel, and winter savory. They don’t need to be pruned; you just clip them off at ground level at the end of the season. They can even be mowed down with a mower. Always be careful with mint. It spreads quickly, and can take over an entire garden if you let it.
Evergreen Herbs
Evergreen herbs are perennial herbs that require pruning if you don’t harvest them regularly. They should be pruned every fall or early in the spring. Evergreen herbs include sage, rosemary, and thyme. When you prune, you should only clip those branches that are old and don’t show any signs of new growth. Any that are broken or lying on other branches should also be pruned. When you harvest evergreen herbs, you should be careful to cut only one section of leaves at a time, and only cut it back to where new growth is still showing. You don’t want to cut too much, or you could discourage new growth.
Annual Herbs
Annual herbs include basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, and chervil. They must be planted again every year because they won’t come back after they die. If you want a continual harvest of annual herbs, you have to keep planting them every four to six weeks during the season. You should try to snip off any flower buds you see on annual herb plants because after a plant flowers, it usually won’t continue to produce leaves. After they flower, they go to seed, at which point they’re not really useful for producing leaves for your kitchen anymore.
Choosing the Right Herbs
Considering Your Needs
When planning which types of herbs you wish to plant, you should choose only those varieties which you believe you’ll actually use in cooking. It will probably be very tempting to plant at least one of every type of herb you see, but it’s not practical. Plant those herbs which you know you’ll really use. And keep in mind that some herbs are considered better when dried. Sage, for example, is an herb that many people prefer the flavor of when dried.
**Dried vs. Fresh Herbs**
It’s probably better to just purchase those herbs which you already know you like to use fresh, as well as perhaps one or two you’ve never tried before just to test out. Be careful not to plant too many types that you can’t take care of them all.
Avoiding Overcrowding
Although herbs don’t generally require a lot of care and maintenance, they will need a bit of work. Don’t plant twenty different varieties if you realistically only have time to care for five or ten!
Planting in the Right Zone
Understanding Zones
Finally, be sure to check the zones that various herbs do well in. If your favorite herb doesn’t do well in your zone, you should probably skip it, or at least grow it indoors in a container. There isn’t much use planting an herb if it will likely die before it’s harvested.
Growing Herbs Indoors
Growing herbs indoors in containers can be a great alternative if you live in a climate that isn’t suitable for your preferred herbs. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors and aromas of your favorite herbs without worrying about them surviving outdoors.
Caring for Your Herb Garden
Watering
Proper watering is essential for a thriving herb garden. Be sure to water your herbs regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. It’s generally better to water deeply and less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Pruning
Pruning your herbs is important for encouraging healthy growth and maintaining the desired shape of your plants. For evergreen herbs, make sure to prune only old growth and avoid cutting back too much new growth. For annual herbs, removing flower buds can help promote leaf production.
Harvesting
Harvest your herbs frequently to encourage new growth and keep your plants healthy. Be sure to harvest in the morning, after the dew has dried, for the best flavor and aroma. When harvesting evergreen herbs, cut only one section of leaves at a time and avoid cutting back too far.
Encouraging Leaf Production
To keep your annual herbs producing leaves throughout the season, regularly snip off any flower buds you see. This will help prevent the plant from going to seed and will promote continuous leaf growth.
In conclusion, planning your herb garden involves careful consideration of the types of herbs you want to grow, choosing the right herbs for your needs, and taking care of your plants. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful, functional herb garden that provides you with fresh, flavorful herbs to use in your cooking.
FAQs
- What are the three main types of herbs? Herbaceous, evergreen, and annual herbs are the three main types.
- How often should I water my herb garden? Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. It’s generally better to water deeply and less frequently.
- How do I encourage leaf production in annual herbs? Snip off any flower buds you see to prevent the plant from going to seed and promote continuous leaf growth.
- Can I grow herbs indoors if they don’t do well in my outdoor zone? Yes, growing herbs indoors in containers can be a great alternative if your climate isn’t suitable for your preferred herbs.
- When is the best time to harvest herbs? Harvest your herbs in the morning, after the dew has dried, for the best flavor and aroma.
