Growing herbs can be really easy, but it’s important that you know the best tricks of the trade. We’re here with our top 6 herb growing secrets for delicious harvests all year round!
Don’t forget these six tips when planting your herbs this spring!
1. Grow What You Need
Have you ever wondered which type of herb is right for your needs? For example, mint has hundreds, if not thousands of varieties to choose from! It’s important that the plant grows in healthy soil and proper conditions.
2. Avoid Rich Soil
One of the best secrets to growing herbs is in their watering. A nutrient-rich soil will not give you great flavor so avoid using one with lots of nutrients and fertilize less often for better results!
Pick out an adequately drained potting mix made from well aerated peat moss or coconut coir that has a neutral pH value if possible.
3. Get Starter Herb Plants
Starting herbs from seed is possible and many people opt for it, but it can take a lot of time to reach the harvesting stage.
For less than what you would spend on just one plant at your local nursery or garden center, buy started plants that will be ready in about six weeks!
If you want a head start, then go for less common varieties! You’ll have them all harvesting up in no time.
4. Pruning is a Must!
Pinching herbs like basil will make the plant bushy and full. You can also prune dill to promote new leaves on it, though this might reduce some of its flowers as well—so try not do both at once if you want lots of blooms!
Don’t forget to pinch the tips of herbs’ stems while harvesting. This will make them grow two new branches, which in turn yield more leaves for you!
5. Propagate
Dried herbs are easy to grow! Dividing them into small pieces will make it possible for you have multiple plants, which is great because they can provide more harvest.
All that’s needed are 3-4 inch stem cuttings from nonflowering stems of the desired plant – simply remove bottom leaves on this type and place in water with sunlight shining directly onto them.
Rooted root balls should develop within two weeks. Once this happens, transfer them into separate containers.
6. Don’t Grow Herbs in Shade
Place your herbs in a sunny spot and leave them there for at least two or three hours each day.
If you don’t want to spend that much time, then place the pot near an east-facing window sill where it will get as much natural light throughout its life cycle as possible!