If you are a beginner in the world of herb gardening, you may not know where to start. I know I didn’t. I did some reading about it before I got started and then I bought a couple of herb gardening books for beginners. That way I would have some sort of guide to follow along as I learned.
When I first started learning about how to grow herbs, I found that there were a lot of things that I didn’t understand. But once I read through a couple of the best herb gardening books for beginners, I was surprised at how easy they made things seem. I was able to understand more than ever before.
Now, before you plant your first herbs, there are a few things you need to know. First, herbs grow best in rich soil with lots of nutrients. This means clay, rock salt, or compost. Herbs also like well drained soil, so make sure your pots and planters are well-drained.
Next, make sure to buy quality seeds – the cheaper the seeds – because the cheaper the seeds are the less flavor they will have when they germinate. Keep your seeds from getting moldy by using a terra cotta potting soil mix. Or try using a mix of vermiculite, peat, coconut fiber, coconut oil, and perlite. You can find good mixes at any garden center.
Once you’ve got your seeds, there is no turning back. The best way to learn is by doing, so get started today. Plant seeds in large quantities – a good rule of thumb is that herbs should be planted half an inch deep. Then take them out to the garden and start growing. Most herbs will root easily in containers so this shouldn’t be a problem.
When it comes to choosing what herbs to plant, choose the ones you enjoy most and grow those. Basil, dill, and oregano are easy to grow. If you don’t care for one of these, consider another. But, remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” herbs. Just pick what you like! Your herbs should be a part of your life from now on.
As you read the best herb gardening books for beginners, you’ll notice that each chapter focuses on certain aspects of growing herbs. For example, one chapter may focus on sun requirements for your plants, then another for water requirements. Each chapter ends with a discussion of how much of each herb you need for a particular recipe. It’s a great way to learn!
So which herbs should you choose? Pick a few you like and see what grows best in your climate. If you can’t find information about that particular herb in the book, you might try contacting the National Herbalist’s Association or the International Culinary Federation. They have lists of perennial herbs that grow well in almost any climate.
The best herb gardening books for beginners aren’t just books about what herbs will grow best in your climate. They’re also books that teach you how to care for those herbs. Keep your herbs healthy by following the directions in the book. Don’t over-water them–watering them too often makes them go dormant.
The best herb gardening books for beginners also have sections on choosing herbs. Why not start with parsley, an easy herb to grow? Or lavender, a favorite for cooking and romantic pursuits? Then choose another herb for your kitchen, such as chives or tarragon. You’ll soon have a wide array of herbs to enjoy!
Some best herb gardening books for beginners are geared toward specific herbs, such as those used for seasoning a meal or potpourri. Other herbs grow well together, or you might like a variety of hot spices in your kitchen. If you’re a wine connoisseur, the recipes you’ll find will bring you years of pleasure. There’s even a section on growing herbs in containers. If you’re into herbal tea, there are sections on that as well, with an emphasis on chamomile and peppermint.
Best of all, some of the best herb gardening books are available for free, thanks to the internet. Some websites allow you to download free guides that show you how to care for your plants, so you can begin growing right away. Others offer step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your garden for the spring. Regardless of whether you choose a guide online or buy one in a book form, there’s no substitute for reading through a quality guide before planting anything.