Reprinted Articles

Herbs can be hardy plants. They are capable of doing well in poor soil, do not require very much fertilizer if any, often insect repellent, and do not need regular pruning. For these reasons, herbs can be great starter plants for new gardeners. The following are some basic herb gardening tips to get you started:

After making your choice of the herbs to grow, the next step is to ensure that you have the appropriate tools to properly care for your new plants. The two main tools you will need are a small shovel/spade and a spike or fork. If you are planting from cuttings, you can use the shovel to create a small hole. If you choose to start from seeds, you will only need to dig just below the surface. For seed planting, you will use a spike or fork for aeration of compact soil because herbs do better when they have good drainage.

Another tool that can be helpful for maintaining your herb garden are a pair of pruning shears. You can use standard scissors for things like cutting twine or snipping small stems, but when it comes to pruning, it is important to have a good pair of shears.

A fine watering can may prove indispensable to your herb garden depending on your arrangements. Some prefer to pour water out a one inch opening which is just right for some plants. But for herbs, which require less water, one of the most basic herb gardening tips is that you can avoid the most common mistake of over watering by using sprinklers, the type of watering can punched with a number of small holes designed to easily control the amount of water to be given.

For a container garden a watering can is adequate, but if you possess a larger plot of earth it is a good idea to purchase some kind of watering system, preferably an automatic one. A simple drip or soaker system is relatively inexpensive, although your climate may require replacement occasionally, and is easy to set up and maintain.

One thing to bear in mind for maintaining your water system is how the elements can impact its durability. Snow and cold temperatures tend to rot and plug the hoses. This means that you will need to replace them after a couple years. This is not an extremely overwhelming task. You simply create a design that lays close to your plants and then secure the hoses with either plastic or metal spikes.

Wheelbarrows are very helpful garden tools. They help you transport seedlings to your garden that need to be transplanted. Many people put the weeds that they pull into a wheel barrow because this is easier than picking up all those pulled weeds off of the ground and makes it easier to cart them away.

Mulch can be composed of bark, gravel, shredded newspaper, wood chips or a combination of these ingredients. Using mulch in your garden can help with soil composition and to reduce the amount of weeds you will have. You can spread a 3-4 inch layer over the ground. Be sure to leave approximately an inch in diameter around the base of your plant. Otherwise, you may create a build up of moisture and heat.

All you need to begin your very own herb garden are some very basic supplies. A few reliable tools, some seeds, and a patch of good earth and you’re all set. Follow these basic herb garden tips and watch your garden grow!

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Tags: Gardening Tips