A small herb garden is a great way to get fresh herbs into the kitchen. It can save time and money while allowing you to grow your own herbs and use them in cooking.
Before you start an herb garden, it’s important to find a suitable spot and know how much sunlight the plants need. The best spot for an herb garden is a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has easy access to the kitchen.
This way you can start using your herbs as soon as they start growing.
Considerations before creating a herb garden in a small space
Let’s face it, not all of us have expansive backyards that we can use for gardening. But that shouldn’t stop you from exploring ways to grow fresh herbs.
Creative use of available space, including balconies and windowsills, can ensure a constant supply of fresh herbs for your kitchen. Before you start your small herb garden, consider the following four factors:
1st place: Where will you plant your herb garden? Ideally, choose an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight. A small brick patio with a good southern exposure is perfect.
2nd floor: What kind of plants grown in containers need a well-drained potting soil with lots of organic material like peat.
3. Plants: What kind of plants can you grow in a small space? Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage thrive in small spaces. Adding a small pot of basil to your small garden is a great way to add fresh basil leaves to many dishes without having to stray too far from the kitchen.
4. Setup: Will you be planting outside in your garden or in containers? What kind of containers can you use?
If you’re short on space, find an old wooden crate that you no longer use and drill holes in the bottom for the drain or buy small pots to stack on top of each other.
If you have a small outdoor space or porch that doesn’t get much direct sunlight, try a hanging basket that can be left outside in the warmer months and placed inside during the winter.
Small-scale herb gardens: creative use of space
You will be amazed at what you can grow in a small space. In most cases, all you need is a little creativity and imagination. Rethink your space. Here are a few ideas:
1. Grow vertically
Vertical herb gardens create more space in small gardens and can even be placed indoors or on a porch.
Growing herbs vertically minimizes space requirements compared to traditional herb gardens. Before you start a vertical garden, think about where you will place it for maximum sunlight.
In fact, the best small space for a vertical herb garden is a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has easy access to the kitchen. This way you can start using your herbs as soon as they start growing.
You also need to think about drainage. Herbs need well-drained soil to prevent the roots from rotting.
When choosing plants, choose small plants that will not grow too quickly. Parsley, chives, and thyme are good choices for small vertical herb gardens because they stay small when planted together in a small space. They can also be used in many ways when cooking.
2. Grow in pots
Growing herbs in pots is perhaps the easiest way to maximize a small space. You can get pots in a size that is suitable for your space. The pots can also be moved as needed or give the plants enough sun.
You can grow different types of herbs in a single container. Note, however, that they may need different levels of humidity and sunlight. For example, rosemary thrives better in heat and drought, while parsley needs more moisture.
These two would not work well in the same container.
Also, don’t over-fertilize your container herbs. Most herbs need very little fertilizer and can die if over-fertilized. In fact, some herbs grow and taste better when “ignored.” These include thyme and oregano.
3. Polyculture gardening and border planting
Assuming you have a backyard or outdoor area that you can use for a garden, consider border planting. This is the practice of planting herbs alongside other plants. For example, you can throw some herbs next to your cabbage or spinach, or plant them at garden edges.
Annual herbs can grow alongside other crops within a crop rotation scheme. For example, basil works great alongside tomatoes.
You can plant perennial herbs as a bed border or within the garden border to attract pollinators and repel pests.
Plant hardy herbs like rosemary along the edges or crevices of a path leading to the kitchen. (Yes, they will grow quite well.)
Additional tips
- If you’re not sure which small herbs to buy, ask your friends and family for recommendations! They may have little herb growing experiences to share with you. Many people find that the small herb garden is often a group effort. So if you enjoy collaborating with others, this could be an excellent option for you.
- If you want your small herb garden to look beautiful all year round, small herb plants like small rosemary bushes, small lavender bushes or small marjoram are excellent choices as they can withstand some cold without dying.
- When you’re done with your little herb garden, it’s time to harvest! Cut off small branches from small herbs (use small scissors), being careful not to accidentally cut small roots. Make small bundles of small herbs small enough for your small kitchen counter or small herb pot.
5 easy herbs that beginners can grow in a small space
Not all herbs can grow in a small space. Opt for small herbs that don’t take up much space even when mature. Some of the best herbs for the small space are:
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb that can grow almost anywhere and requires minimal care. Ideally plant it outside if you have the space.
It grows into an aromatic, woody shrub that you can use to flavor potatoes, rosemary chicken, and other dishes. Note, however, that it may not grow well in winter.
Extreme cold can kill it, so put it in a sheltered spot until spring.
2. Basil
Add a touch of Italy to your dishes with a few fresh basil leaves. The herb tastes great in almost everything, including desserts, savory dishes, and even cocktails!
Basil grows well indoors and outdoors as long as it is in a sunny spot.
3. Mint
Mint is one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow herbs on the planet. You can also use it in various dishes and drinks including baked delights, teas and cocktails.
The herb comes in several varieties, such as chocolate mint, ginger mint, and apple mint.
4. Parsley
Parsley gives most dishes a uniquely delicious aroma. It is a biennial herb that needs plenty of sun and moisture.
It is usually slow to germinate, but you can speed up the process by soaking the seeds overnight.
5. Chives
Chives are closely related to the onion family. They typically appear slender with pointed leaves and produce pink or purple flaky flowers.
The herb thrives best in sunny spots in nutrient-rich, moist soil.
Conclusion
Herbs are fairly easy to grow and have the added benefit of being low maintenance. They can usually survive drought, but they need light (sunlight makes them stronger). Herbs often suffer from too much water, so make sure your herbs are getting enough sunlight. Then they should be fine.
Do you grow herbs in or around your kitchen? What additional tips would you add to this list?
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