Growing Herbs & Herb Garden Care

Herbs provide beauty and fragrance in the garden and abundant flavor in your kitchen. Most herbs are easy to grow and, once planted, require little care besides watering and harvesting. So, if you're just getting started with an edible garden, herbs are a great place to start.

Most herbs grow best in full sun. Plant your herbs where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Annual herbs like basil and dill can be planted alongside vegetables or perennial herbs in the vegetable garden. For perennial herbs such as oregano, thyme and sage, it's best to create a dedicated herb garden. If you're looking to grow herbs inside, follow the steps in our article "Grow Herbs Indoors."

Many herbs originate from parts of the world with lean, infertile soils and dry, warm summers. So while they'll benefit from some plant food, like that found in Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice® Garden Soil, don't over-feed them. Too much plant food will encourage lush growth at the expense of flavor.

While herbs appreciate water during especially hot or dry weather, don't overdo it. Overwatering herbs such as rosemary and thyme, which come from drier places in the world, can lead to root rot diseases. And just as with too much plant food, too much water may cause too much growth while diluting flavor. Soak the soil thoroughly, and let the soil dry out in between soakings. If the soil is moist two inches below the soil line, wait a few more days to water.

Your herbs will thrive if you pick them often. Be sure to harvest your bounty before the herbs start to flower or remove any flowers as soon as they appear.