Herb Garden Plants – A Quicker Way to Get Your Garden Started

When starting an herb garden, you have the choice of planting seeds or herb garden plants. Most gardeners opt for the quicker method of using plants. These plants can be purchased from local nurseries or purchased via mail order. The type of plants available for purchase depends on the time of year they are ordered. Some herb plants can be shipped during the winter, and others may not be available to ship until the spring.

Herb gardening is not difficult even for the beginner. You need to plant your garden where there is sufficient sunshine and soil with good drainage properties. You can plant directly in the garden or containers. Some herb plants grow well in containers and others do not. Some herb varieties need room to spread out, and they will be stressed and root-bound in containers. Be sure to do a bit of research upfront about the growth habits of the varieties you wish to plant.

A good starter garden might contain rosemary, sage, oregano, marjoram, varieties of basil (there are several), summer savory, chives, mint, tarragon, and thyme. Most gardeners only plant the varieties of herbs they actually plan to use. If you are not a fan of mint, you most likely would not want to plant that variety.

The location of your garden depends on your geographical area. If you live in a cooler climate, you will want your herbs to receive as much sun as possible. If you live in a warm climate, you might opt for morning sunshine and afternoon shade.

The soil in the area to be planted needs to be loose, not compacted. A garden tiller is excellent for this purpose. It is a good idea for heavier clay-type soils to till in some organic matter such as compost. This is a step you should not skip. If the soil is not prepared properly, your plants will not grow.

The plants will need to be watered regularly. It is best to locate your garden where you have easy access to a water source, such as a hose bibb. When and how often you water depends, again, on your location and the amount of natural rainfall.

Check your plants regularly and water them when they are dry. Overwatering herbs is just about as bad as under-watering, so pay attention to the moisture content of the soil. A good rule of thumb is to moisten the soil 2″ deep when it becomes dry.

A layer of mulch is a good addition to your plants. It keeps the soil moist and protects your herb and vegetable plants. Mulch needs to be reapplied occasionally, as it will wash away over time. When planting your garden, remember to leave footpaths or walkways so you can access your plants for harvest and care without trampling on their roots. When planning your paths, remember the plants will grow and expand, so be sure to make the walkways large enough, to begin with.


Herb garden plants are a great route to take when planting your garden. You may be limited on what is available at your local nursery, so be sure to look on the internet for varieties that you may not be able to purchase at your neighborhood garden store.

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