Planting herbs makes for an enjoyable addition to any garden. Familiar culinary herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and mint bring fresh flavor to everyday cooking. Growing them at home makes it easy to harvest what is needed. Fresh herbs can also be dried and preserved for meals throughout the year using a dehydrator. Whether planted in garden plots, raised beds, or patio containers, herbs are a versatile and practical choice for many growing spaces.

If you are thinking about starting your own herb garden, the following tips can be helpful in getting started:

1. Plant herbs in sunny locations with well-draining soil, grouped according to similar water needs. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are more drought tolerant and can be damaged by overwatering, while mint, parsley, and basil generally require more consistent moisture.

2. Avoid overfertilizing herbs. Excess fertilizer can encourage rapid leafy growth while reducing the concentration of the essential oils that give herbs their aroma and flavour.

3. Mint is hardy and can easily spread and become invasive if planted directly into the garden; plant it in a container or a contained raised bed instead.

4. Harvest herbs regularly to encourage fresh growth. For the best flavour, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, when essential oil content is generally at its highest. Harvest leafy herbs before they begin to flower.

5. When overwintering tender perennial herbs such as rosemary, grow them in terracotta pots that can be moved indoors before temperatures drop. Once indoors, place them in a bright location, avoid fertilizing, and water only when the soil has dried slightly.

If you are interested in learning more about herb gardening, please see University of Minnesota Extension's and West Virginia University Extension's resources. 

References:

University of Minnesota Extension, Mackenzie, J., & Kooyman, S. M. (2021). Growing herbs in home gardens. Umn.Edu

University of West Virginia Extension, & Richmond, J. (2021). Herb gardening for beginners. Extension.Wvu.Edu.