We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Starting an herb garden

auroranflash
auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
edited December 2024 in Chit-Chat
Derp. I mean an actual herb garden, not an "herb" garden.

.... so, I've never done it before. Should I buy the little starter sets from Home Depot that seem overpriced, or just get some potting soil and seeds and start from scratch, or what? Ooh, I've saved all my little cottage cheese tubs, maybe I can use those as pot holders? Or should I grow some things in the same pot, and others by themselves? :indifferent:

I've heard you can grow tomato and basil in the same pot right next to each other and they work nicely... Pizza planting?!

How do I start this?... XD;

Planting for noobs resources? .... I live in the city, I have a purple thumb. But I'll be a loving plant mommy, once I get going.

Do you plant your own herbs/veggies? Any tips for someone wanting to get started?

Thanks in advance. :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • BaconMD
    BaconMD Posts: 1,165 Member
    I wanted to do this exact thing so I got one of those little sets. I planted it all and it didn't really grow very well. It lasted a month or two, then about 5 years later I donated the set to charity.

    Sorry I'm not helpful.
  • LemonsAndCoffee
    LemonsAndCoffee Posts: 313 Member
    I'm probably not going to be much help either but I would buy a bag of GOOD potting soil and seeds and start from scratch. Make sure you put holes in the bottom of the containers so the extra water can drain out (don't want to drown the seeds) and make sure they have plenty of sunlight. I've grown a few herbs this way in my window and they did pretty well.
  • auroranflash
    auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
    I'm probably not going to be much help either but I would buy a bag of GOOD potting soil and seeds and start from scratch. Make sure you put holes in the bottom of the containers so the extra water can drain out (don't want to drown the seeds) and make sure they have plenty of sunlight. I've grown a few herbs this way in my window and they did pretty well.

    Thanks. Wish my future little buddies luck, they'll need it :devil:
  • PapaverSomniferum
    PapaverSomniferum Posts: 2,670 Member
    don't overwater

    pluck the flowers off of basil, sage, and mints as soon as they appear to keep it bushy and leafy

    organic fertilizer is good. compost.
  • lour441
    lour441 Posts: 543 Member
    Those little kits aren't very good. If you have some room I would get some self watering pots and grow the herbs in there. I can make a suggestion if you want to PM me.

    I have 10 different types of peppers, parsley, thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce growing on my deck. I have two raised planting beds on the ground with tomatoes, basil, eggplant, and more cucumbers.
  • creech6317
    creech6317 Posts: 869 Member
    I found this the other day and it looked like a great idea, planting herb's based on the kind of cooking that you do. Maybe it will help you with some pointers and herb suggestions.

    http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/herb-garden?mbid=RF
  • therealkittymao
    therealkittymao Posts: 194 Member
    I had a container garden and I LOVED it, but I will say they need LOTS of sunlight, plenty of water and a GOOD fertilizer. Since the plants aren't connected to the actual Earth, their only nutrition source is what you put in that soil. I tried to go organic/vegan on the fert, and I almost killed all the plants. There is just not enough nutrition in the vegan organic fertilizer.
  • JasmineRupert
    JasmineRupert Posts: 1
    When it comes to starting out with herbs make sure you know your mints seperate from the others or they'll try to take over and spread and makes it harder to contain them. Use terracotta pots and make sure to cover the bottom or place it over wood/stone/etc. so the roots don't sneak to the earth. A weedy plant like Dandelion (good for salads, wine, coffee substitue and a high source of potassium) are easy since you just sow the seeds and they raise themselves. Or Bittersweet Nightshade (if you know how to extract and use this poisonous plant correctly!!). Good beginners is Basil, Thyme, Cilantro, Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, and Parsley.

    These plants need at least 8 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil (Maining terracotta must have a hole in the bottom so it can drain) with decent watering once a day (twice if really hot in the mid to high 80's). The seeds ( if starting from the beginning) take 10-14 days to germinate and will need constant care, but once the roots thicken they can adapt to the soil and thrive on their own. Plants like Rosemary can be grown from a cutting (about 4-6 in) and placed in water till it roots so there's no need to wait for germination. Others can grow well from cutting and root division so take those shortcuts if you can.

    Also be aware of the Zone your in and what direction your plants face for sun potention since some favor more sun than others and the season you being planting. May is already here so it's best to start with anything that's already sprouting or your plants will grow too late and wither by late summer without a chance to bear seeds so they can come back next year on its own.

    Message me if you have more questions.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories