Planting and harvesting your herb is an awesome event. Having fresh supplies for your side dishes and ornamental purposes just inside or outside your house without you spending money.
However, one thing you might encounter is the limited space for these various herbs. Well, worry no more because some types of herbs can be grown in one container.
Here are some tips you might consider before planting herbs:
- Avoid mixing water-lover herbs such as (chervil, chives, coriander, and mint) with dry-soil lover herbs like those that come from Mediterranean countries (lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme).
- Separate mint with other herbs as it has invasive potential.
- Check the sunlight exposure, particularly when planting outdoor herbs as some herbs favor fully-shade, and some want full-sunlight.
- Herbs having the same soil nutrient requirements tend to grow well together. This is a good opportunity for you to recheck your checklist and do some classification.
- Making the herbs in contact with each other increases humidity and air circulation. Herbs have a symbiotic relationship with each other, which helps them survive in unfavorable environments.
- You may choose the appropriate container with drainage holes to optimize growth and prevent rot.
- You may add adequate fertilizer like liquid seaweed to promote a sumptuous harvest.
- Pruning the herbs in the right way at maturity can avoid distortion and havoc.
- Some of the herbs require more space favoring outdoor environments.
Types of Herbs
There are three major types of herbs. These are the annual herbs, biennial herbs, and perennial herbs. Most of the herbs contain a perennial life cycle, but we still have annual herbs as wells as biennial herbs. The Cilantro and the basils are examples of annual herb which complete an entire cycle of growth in one season. Other varieties of herbs yield seeds as a sign of biennial maturity. The most persistent is the perennial herbs that live until winter comes.
Uses of Herbs
Herbs have numerous species with varying utilization. It is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many dishes like soup, pesto, salad, and ice creams. Aside from that, it uses aromatic, aesthetic, and medicinal uses. One of the aromatic herbs is the marjoram that has a pleasant fragrance that is usually used in making your perfumes. Amazingly, herbs serve as a companion plant, which helps other plants to grow more.
Ornamental and Cosmetic Uses
Landscaping is not an issue anymore as some herbs like mint can be a great ground cover around your garden. For your decoration, you may use lavender and flowering herbs like parsley. Ultimately, here are chamomile herbs that you can use as your lotions and bath products.
Medicinal and Aromatic Purpose
One of the best in herbs is its health benefits. Cilantro, which has a citrus flavor, is very abundant in some vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C. A very rich antioxidant herb that ensures the healthy condition of our teeth, skin, and of course our eyes. Aside from that, Cilantro is also a fiber-rich and mineral abundant herb. Apart from the
Herbs that Can Be Planted Together
The herbs, namely lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme can be planted together since they have the same requirement for soil nutrients, sunlight intensity, and type of environment. You may also plant basils with Cilantro and tarragon.
Water-Loving Herbs
These types of water-loving herbs thrive in moist soil and a sunny environment. Some examples of these are the parsley and basil, which can be planted together. Parsley can aid in fast digestion and good breath refresher. Perennial herbs such as the basil, lemon balm, thyme, sage, stevia, and mint can grow in water during winter. Of course, this herb still needs to get sunlight, so you may place it on the spot where it can still capture light.
Mediterranean or Dry-Soil Lover Herbs
This is a very light-lover herb that is native in the European and African continent. This Mediterranean herb can be planted together because of its great tolerance in heat. This includes lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Apart from as a preservative, thyme has antibacterial and antioxidant bioactivity. Well, this is very good for your health diet routine!
Mints
This type of herbs is not suggested to be engrained with another type of herbs because it can be disturbing. However, peppermint, orange mint, and other different varieties can be propagated together once provided with wide space for growth.
Companion Planting
Plants secrete phytohormone, which is very beneficial to other plants. Herbs are usually used in this process. This reaction that happens has helped to improve the growth and protection of plants from any pest or animal. Thyme, garlic, rosemary, basil, and dill are some of the herbs that are usually planted with companion plants like vegetables. To elaborate more about the benefits of this herb companion planting, here are some of its companion partners.
Thyme
This flowering herb can be planted together with any species of the cabbage family. The broccoli and the cauliflowers are some of the species of cabbage that can get assistance from thyme. This herb put off flies and moths from the plant of cabbage.
Garlic
A type of herb that helps the growth of roses and raspberries. Similarly, to thyme, it also distracts onion flies, black flies, and aphid to protect the plants.
Rosemary
This mint herb can be engrained together with beans, carrots, and cabbages. Like any other companion herbs, rosemary also repels insects like carrot flies, mosquitoes, clothes flies, and many more.
Basil
These sweet basils are a great partner for your tomatoes as it can enhance their flavor and growth. Basils can be grown together with asparagus and peppers. Almost the same as another herb, as it also can keep away insects destroying a plant.
Dill
An example of an aromatic herb that enhances the flavor of various dishes. This herb is best grown with cabbages and broccoli. It may also help tomatoes but not the carrots.
Source: Gardening101