Organic Herb Gardening

Have you been thinking of growing an herb garden or a planting a few of your favorite herbs in a windowsill planter or in pots on the back sun porch for easy access in cooking? If you haven't gardened before you may not have thought much about soil condition, fertilizer, or pest control. Before you plant, take a little time to learn what you'll need to know to grow your herbs organically.

It doesn't make much sense to plant an herb garden with the goal of growing healthy and tasty herbs if you're going to use synthetic chemicals like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic herb gardening means what the name says; growing your herbs in naturally enriched soil without the use of toxic chemicals.

Organic Fruit

But how does one naturally enrich soil health? There are a number of ways: compost application, rotating your crops, using green manure, application of natural fertilizers and pesticides, and using mulch. The more healthy the soil, the more healthy your herbs will be. Taking time to learn and utilize natural organic herb gardening tips is easy and you will feel better about the herbs you put in your body if they are chemical free. You will also be doing your part to help the environment which is everyone's responsibility.

What are the basic steps toward healthy organic herb gardening?

1.) Compost. I cannot stress enough the importance of compost to develop healthy nutrient rich soil. The more the better. Compost feeds the soil, not the plants and is very important as the plants draw out from the soil the nutrients they need for proper growth and development. You can buy organic compost or make it yourself.

2.) Organic fertilizers. A great fertilizer to help boost nitrogen and other micronutrients is fish emulsion. Follow the instructions on the label. It adds a powerful punch to herb growth. There are other organic fertilizers on the market as well.

3.) Organic pest control. An insecticidal soap solution is my first line of defense when I see that soft bodied pests have moved in. However, you don't want to get rid of the beneficial pests if you can help it. Plant daisies, rosemary and mint to attract helpful bugs that will eat the other harmful pests. Keep your organic herb garden well weeded to prevent the attraction of additional pests.

4.) Rotating your crops and adding mulch in addition to compost will also help keep soil healthy. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and less problems to try and fix later.

Organic herb gardening is a relaxing and enjoyable endeavor. The satisfaction of growing your own healthful, vitamin rich herbs for yourself and your family is reward enough. But you will also receive the pleasure of knowing that the herbs you add to your meals or use to make teas, jellies, vinegars or home remedies were not grown in chemically altered soil or sprinkled with toxic fertilizers or pesticides. Organic herb gardening helps your health, the environment, saves you money at the grocery store and adds beauty to your home.

Organic Herb Gardening

Ginny Greene is an herb garden enthusiast. Visit Herb Garden Center for more expert advice and tips on herb gardening and sign up for a free 10 lesson herb minicourse

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