Herb Locations

Like real estate, important considerations for plants are: location, location, location. Areas that are exposed to high winds, brutal heat, constant heavy shade, abundant shallow tree roots, and standing water are not good choices for most plants, and certainly not for herbs. If you have problem spots that need planting solutions, there are specialty selections that will help you deal with these problems.

Pick a Sheltered Herb Location with Good Sun

For your herb garden, give your plants the best start you can by providing a sheltered location that receives six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Improve heavy soil with lighteners and organic material. You don't need to be as generous with organic material as you would be with vegetables, but some addition of peat moss, steer manure, or pre-mixed blends will help your plants get off to a good start.

Although some plants, like rosemary, benefit from the addition of special elements, you can add them around each individual plant, if necessary. For the most part, you want to work your herb plot to a depth of eight inches and select an area front to back that you can reach easily for weeding. If necessary, include stepping stones for easier access.

Early Planning Pays Off

In the early planning stages, it's important to be as thorough as you can. The work you do now will pay dividends later. The process of keeping a garden from year to year becomes much less work if you've taken the time to prepare well. It's tempting to just dig a hole and throw the plant into it with a little potting mix. This is usually a disaster for both you and the plant. Take a little more time and effort. You will be glad you did.

Pay Attention to Each Herb's Location Recommendations

I always recommend keeping your herbs together in one spot. This makes it easier to harvest them, and the idea of a self-contained herb patch is very appealing. If you plan on placing herbs around your property, be careful to give them plenty of room, and pay attention to their area requirements. Some herbs, like peppermint, have a very invasive habit, and will crowd out more delicate plants if not contained.