Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, parsley, dill… all are essential aromatic herbs in the kitchen of any good culinary chef or foodie. These plants are the seasoning, which adds a different touch and a great flavor to many of our favorite dishes and makes them a valuable element in our kitchens and homes.
And in today’s article, we want to encourage you to grow your own plants and herbs from seeds. Why? Because in general, they are easy to plant and maintain, they take up little space, they add a touch of color to our homes and act as a natural deodorizer. Plus, by growing them from seeds, everything tastes better. So are you ready to do it but not sure how? Below, we bring you basic tips for growing your own herbs and plants.
Plan How You Will Organize Your Herbs
If you plan to plant several varieties, we recommend planning ahead how you will organize and group them. There are many types of herbs and they can be perennials, annuals or biennials. So it’s essential to know which group each one belongs to so you can care for them accordingly. Once you know this, you can group them together so that you don’t get confused when applying different care. Annuals and biennials should be replaced every one or two seasons. Perennials, on the other hand, should be pruned every spring. Another idea for organizing aromatic plants is to combine them according to their need for irrigation, thus avoiding that a plant suffers from excess or lack of water.
Choose the Right Location for Your Aromatic Plants
These plants generally need at least six hours of light per day, in half-shade or full sun depending on the variety. You must therefore take this important factor into account when deciding where to place each of them.
Control the Risks
Aromatic plants do not tolerate excess water in their roots particularly well. Therefore, a good drainage is essential for its good development and growth. Always make sure that the pots have holes at the base. If you are wondering when you should water them, let the substrate be your guide. If the surface is dry, you should water them.
Combine Herbs in the Same Pot
If you are going to grow them in a pot, you have to keep in mind that, since it is a small volume, the substrate will dry out faster. For this reason, we advise you to opt for a larger pot and even to plant several species in it, this way the water will take longer to evaporate. If you combine tall plants with short ones, you can cover the entire surface of the pot, which helps to conserve moisture and soil temperature and prevents the sun’s rays from hitting it directly. In addition, polycultures offer extra protection by confusing pests.
Harvest Your Herbs a Little at a Time
Harvesting aromatic plants and/or herbs promotes their growth by keeping them in the growing phase, during which the flavor of the leaves is more intense. Of course, it is recommended to proceed little by little, regularly making small cuts (harvests). Also, if you see a flower coming out, it is advisable to remove it to extend the growing season and enjoy the fresh, tender leaves for longer, which you can use in those great chef recipes we know you love to prepare.
By following these simple tips, you will enjoy your “little herb garden”. A paradise that will also help you spice up your delicious recipes. What do you think of these tips? And you, do you have any others to share with us? Leave your comments below!
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