The benefits of compost for herbs are well known. Many herbs grow best in rich soil. A mixture of one cup of Vermiculite and one cup of bone meal will produce good compost for herbs that have a shallow root system. Using this material will give your plants the nutrients they need for strong growth and discourage weeds. By creating a compost environment in your garden you are encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria that will help your soil to retain the moisture in the air.
Before starting, thoroughly clean out any pots or containers that you plan to use. Most perennial plants do not do well in small pots because of the lack of drainage and because the roots may bruise the sides of the container. Dig a hole twice the root width and length and place the plant inside, making sure it is in a spot with good drainage. If you are growing herbs in small pots consider using peat or perlite for the soil to ensure that it has adequate drainage. Both materials will keep your plant healthy and growing well.
If you are planting herbs in small spaces, consider using pots that have a wide opening on top. This will allow the plant to take in enough light to help it grow well. Small pots also help the herbs breath. As with planting seeds, keep in mind that the location you choose should receive full sun. Some plants such as mint require a lot of light, while others like blue flowers do better in shaded areas. Once you have chosen the location for planting herbs make sure you have a spade or digging tool to be able to reach the ground.
Once you have the plants established in the holes and prepared them to be planted, you will need to start the gardening process. Most plants prefer a cool growing climate but some need a warmer environment. The soil can be kept relatively dry by using moistures or fertilizer. Perlite is a great choice because it maintains the ph level of your garden soil, keeping it healthy and allowing moisture to move into the soil for the plants to thrive. Check the packaging to make sure that your herbs are suitable for compost material.
In addition to using compost for growing herbs in pots you can also use manure from your animals. Chickens will produce manure that is high in nitrogen so try and get your chickens to eat less grains and legumes. Goat and sheep manure are also great sources of organic nutrients. You can turn this waste into compost by separating the pellets and adding water to encourage the decomposition process. To assure yourself that the resulting compost for herb plants is free of toxins, add a few drops of your preferred herb oil to the mixture.
When growing herbs in pots, you have to know how many plants to get before you plant them. Also you want to get them at the right time of year, just as the natural growing cycle does. The best time of year to plant herbs in pots is during the spring, as they begin to produce new shoots and leaves. If you’re growing more than one type of herb then divide them up a bit and plant them accordingly.
It takes more than just putting the herbs in the ground to have them sprout. To maximize growth and make sure that the soil is conducive to them growing well you should aerate the soil. A very simple way to do this is to make a circular motion around your plants, gently pulling the soil away from the roots. You’ll find that your plants will have better drainage as the wind picks up, bringing more moisture up to the surface.
Herbs are beautiful additions to any garden. Whether you have them as a garden all year round or just for a short time during the spring and summer months, the freshness from your plants will make your food taste better. Plus, they can help improve your soil, which means your plants will be healthier and you will have less issues with weeds. So if you’re thinking of adding some herbs to your garden, try composting for herbs! They’re easy to grow, beautiful, and healthy.