Herb gardening for beginners:

Herbs are very easy to grow in the garden with a little sunshine, soil that drains well, some watering, and a little fertiliser or compost. Herbs can be grown in pots, however, the plants will always prefer to be in the ground where they can spread out. Some plants will grow quite large, 4-6 feet, and in pots they are really stunted and can get stressed which causes them to be very unhappy.

For planting Herbs in your garden, you'll need to allow approximately 1 to 4 feet in diameter for each plant depending upon the plant. Here are some guidelines for plant sizes:

- Rosemary, Sage, Mints, Oregano, Marjoram 3-4 feet

- Basils, Thyme, Tarragon, Savory 2 feet

- Cilantro, Chives, Dill, Parsley 1 foot

The main thing necessary to grow herbs in the garden is to put them in the right place in the garden. Most will prefer full. If you do have very warm summers then you might consider planting in morning sun and afternoon shade or a place which receives filtered light in summer (under a tree that allows some light through). Check the area in the garden several times during the day to make sure that there will be at least 4 hours of sun.

Next you need to prepare the garden soil. Digging with a large garden fork will loosen up the soil that has been compacted over the years and allow water to drain and the plants roots to reach down into the soil. This is the most important step, shortcuts here will be disastrous to your garden plants. Adding some compost to your soil, about an inch or so on top and then dig it into the soil, will help with drainage problems and add fertiliser to the garden.

The final step is to plant healthy, strong plants and water them as they get dry. Most garden herbs like to be watered as soon as the soil is dry to the touch a couple of inches down into the soil. This will be different every week because of temperatures and humidity so you must check them often and do not over water. More watering is not better and can lead to diseases for your herb garden. For harvesting, you simply cut off about 1/3 of the branches when the plant reaches at least 6-8" tall. Cut close to a leaf intersection and your plants will regrow very quickly. Some plants such as parsley have new leaves growing from the centre and need to have the oldest branches removed leaving the new growing point intact so the plant can regrow. This will be more clear as you watch your plants grow in the garden.

Herb can be grown in garden containers:

Herbs are much easier to grow than many houseplants. All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for the plants you want to grow. Sunny decks, patios, and other such areas in the garden are great for container gardening and do not require the difficult digging that starting a garden usually requires. However, if you are lucky enough to have a great location for a garden and like to work outdoors, the plants will always prefer to be in the ground. Some plants will grow quite large and do much better in the ground for that reason alone. A container garden requires diligent watering and regular feeding, but it can be easy and fun. The main things you will need are:

- Clay Pots (or plastic) 8" to 18" in diameter

- Good Potting Soil (enough to fill your pots)

- Plant fertiliser (Organic or slow release Osmocote pellets recommended)

- Watering Can or Hose