Herbs Adorn Every Garden

"Herbs should be in every garden and can find a suitable spot on almost any balcony. Even inexperienced hobby gardeners can manage very well with growing garden herbs. Almost all of our typical garden/kitchen herbs originate from very old cultivated plants. Therefore, they have good growth properties, are robust, and easy to grow.

Two things are very important for a small herb garden: location and soil. Most herbs are sun-loving. So, herbs should be sown and planted in a spot where they get at least half a day of sun. The soil should have a good crumbly structure, a high pH value of about 6 to 6.5, be well-draining, and sufficiently loosened. Compost or peat can be mixed in.

Sunny locations require regular watering of the soil. However, different herbs have different watering requirements. Therefore, growing herbs that take their water needs into account is particularly successful. There are various ways to do this. Very thirsty herbs like water mint, mint, watercress, lemon balm, dill, chives, and parsley can be planted in a moister location. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, or lavender prefer it drier and can thus be placed in a dry location. All other herbs are watered regularly as normal. If the soil is well-mixed, with some sand interspersed, then all herbs will also do well when planted together."

"Herbs shouldn't be missing from any garden and can find a suitable spot on almost every balcony. Even inexperienced hobby gardeners can manage very well with growing garden herbs. Almost all of our typical garden/kitchen herbs originate from very old cultivated plants. Therefore, they have good growth properties, are robust, and easy to grow.

Two things are very important for a small herb garden: location and soil. Most herbs are sun-loving. So, herbs should be sown and planted in a spot where they get at least half a day of sun. The soil should have a good crumbly structure, a high pH value of about 6 to 6.5, be well-draining, and sufficiently loosened. Compost or peat can be mixed in.

Sunny locations require regular watering of the soil. However, different herbs have different watering requirements. Therefore, growing herbs that take their water needs into account is particularly successful. There are various ways to do this. Very thirsty herbs like water mint, mint, watercress, lemon balm, dill, chives, and parsley can be planted in a moister location. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, or lavender prefer it drier and can thus be placed in a dry location. All other herbs are watered regularly as normal. If the soil is well-mixed, with some sand interspersed, then all herbs will also do well when planted together.

Herbs are not only the perfect addition for a healthy kitchen, but they also offer a beautiful sight in the garden throughout the summer, as they bloom at different times. A herb spiral or herb snail accommodates the varying soil and water needs of different herbs. At the same time, this planting arrangement is a very pretty eye-catcher in the garden. Here, the herbs are planted in ascending order according to their water requirements in a sunny location. For the spiral, a mound must be created that offers different soil structures. The individual tiers can be laid out and bordered with stones, similar to a rock garden.

The lower section must be sufficiently large so that the following two levels can be built upon it. It is well-filled with humus so that the flowing water can accumulate. A small water basin can also be created in this area, in the form of a shallow ornamental fountain or a larger bird bath. Here, the "thirsty" herbs described above are sown/planted. For the next tier, the humus soil is mixed with sand so that water does not accumulate for long. Here, the partial-shade herbs find their place, such as thyme, oregano, tarragon, or lemon balm. In the upper part, soil well-mixed with sand is prepared for the herbs that prefer it drier. Here, lavender, sage, rosemary thrive, many of which also become winter-hardy. Such a herb arrangement is a wonderful eye-catcher in the garden. At the same time, it offers a playground for many insects, such as bees and butterflies."

The best time for planting out herbs is from March to June. Seed propagation can be done in a protected, covered, translucent tray. Both mineral fertilizers and chemical fertilizers should be avoided, as both affect food quality. This also applies to plant protection. Here, nettle or horsetail broth prove effective.