Whether you have a backyard or a window sill in your apartment, it’s possible to grow your own herbs! With the current situation leading to more people staying at home, it is important to find hobbies to keep busy.
Anyone can plant their own herb garden by following our SIX easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Pot
If you are using a brand new pot, then it is automatically ready to host a plant. On the other hand, if you are reusing an old pot, make sure to thoroughly clean the inside. Place small rocks and broken pieces of pottery at the bottom of the pot. Herbs thrive in soil that has good drainage and this will help. Some herbs will need their own pot, while others that require the same attention can be grown together.
Pro Tip: If using a large heavy pot, packing peanuts at the bottom for drainage will make the pot lighter.
Related Article: The Top Five Plant-Based Cupboard Staples
Step 2: Plant the Herb
Add potting soil or planting mix, filling the pot to a couple of inches below the top. Soil that is moisture controlled works best for herbs. Dig a hole the size of the herb you are planting. When removing the plant from its original container, check to see if it is root-bound. If so, gently tear apart the bottom of the root system to help the roots spread. Place the plant inside the ready-made hole.
Step 3: Secure the Herb
Fill in soil around the top of the plant and the sides so the surface reaches just below the top of the pot. Shake the pot gently to level out the soil. Press down around the herb to make it secure. Lightly water the plant according to what each individual herb requires.
Step 4: Ready to Grow
Trim back the tops of the herb stems, a couple leaves each. Make sure to complete this around the entirety of the plant. This action encourages new, strong, and healthy growth; doing this regularly will help the plant grow to its full potential.
Related Article: The Ten Best Herbs to Grow at Home
Step 5: Maintain Growth
Herbs need sunlight and water to ensure healthy growth. The amount of water needed is dependent on the type of herb as well as the climate it’s growing in. Whether it’s for a recipe or just routine maintenance, make sure to continue trimming the tops of the plants. The great thing about planting herbs in pots is when the colder seasons come, you can bring them inside so they can continue thriving.
Step 6: Enjoy!
It is extremely convenient when cooking to have fresh ingredients right at your fingertips. An additional perk of growing your own herbs is saving money in the long run by not needing to purchase large amounts of herbs if your recipe only requires a few leaves.
We hope our six easy steps help you plant your own herb garden and provide you with delicious fresh ingredients 24/7!