I don't know about you, but in the month of March I'd rather be talking about spring and everything that comes along with it, like gardening! Instead, I'm stuck at home with cabin fever and children who never go to school because Northern VA school districts refuse to let the kids go to school when there's 3 inches of snow out :)
So I will let my wishful thinking and imagination transport me to warmer weather where the sun is shining and I can enjoy a great garden, who's with me? So let's begin with Tips fo growing a Herb Garden!
Tips for Growing an Herb Garden
Herbs are some of the easiest, most versatile and useful plants to grow. If you're going to start a garden for the first time, try growing herbs. Many of them grow with very little care, and if you live in a condominium or townhome with limited space, herbs can easily be grown in containers. Whether you've got acres of land or just a few pots on a patio, here are a few tips for growing a successful herb garden.
Tip #1: Grow Herbs You'll Eat
There's no sense in growing herbs you won't eat. Do you enjoy a nice caprese salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Do you like your mojito with plenty of mint? What about pan-fried potatoes with garlic and rosemary, or lentils simmered in broth with a few thyme sprigs? Think about your favorite recipes. List the herbs used in each, and grow the herbs you will eat.
Tip #2: Prepare the Soil to Grow Your Herb Garden
Although most herbs will tolerate dry, rocky soils, it is best to grow herbs in a dark, crumbly, fertile soil that has plenty of organic matter and good drainage. One of the best tips for growing an herb garden is to work in plenty of compost, worm castings, and fertilizer before planting. By preparing the soil, you'll give your herb garden the best possible chances for success. Of course this step will have to wait until all the snow around us is melted away.
Tip #3: Understand Each Herb's Need for Water
Many herbs, such as bay and lemon balm, produce the most intense flavors in poor, dry soils. However, each herb is different. Some herbs, like mint and catnip, for example, grow best in moist soils. Novice gardeners often think that more water is better. If a plant looks like it's struggling, just add water, right? Unfortunately, no. Each herb has different needs for water, and if you water some herbs too much, you will cause them to rot at the roots and die. Most garden plants need an average of one inch of water per week. Some will need more, some less. If you take the time to research the herbs you're going to grow, you'll know where you need more or less water.
For Tip #4 and Tip#5 please make sure to visit my website; WWW.Homes4SaleinDC.com
No matter what your style, you can grow an herb garden...now we just need to wait for the snow to melt.
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