As an eager new gardener, I try to reign in my enthusiasm for the ideas and things I'd like to do in my yard. I remember the first spring and summer I spent in my house, I spent it in awe watching things explode from the ground. Especially the weeds. I recall my father carefully taking care of the lawn, planting his snap dragons, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers and green beans. I didn't really have much of an appreciation of how much work goes into flower and vegetable gardens.
That first summer the weeds took over everything. By the end of the summer it was like an untamed jungle in my backyard. The next year I vowed to be more on top of things and while I did do better I thought about getting a machete at times. Last year I did the best. I planted some day lillies and a few herbs. The tomatoes that I planted in containers didn't do so hot. I also converted a small patch of grass to the left of my front door into a small garden. So far I planted a dwarf Korean Lilac bush there. I think planting some tulip bulbs there in the fall will also be a nice addition. The weeds were managed but not out of hand.
Since gardens need tending, I've decided on one big project for this year and that's a kitchen herb garden. So far I've decided that basil, dill, chives, cilantro, and sage are on the plan. Here is the currently pathetic space it'll occupy.
Now I just need to decide if I should go with seeds or plants once I clean out the bed and prepare it for planting. Any suggestions? I know that some herbs are quite aggressive. I also want to plant some lavender but I don't think lavender over winters very well in this zone.
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Comments: 15
Don't bother with seeds. Get plants, and don't plant before May 15th. Remember that most herbs require sun. They generally work well in rock gardens or containers.
I love lavender, and have had the best luck with English and French varieties. Basil is a necessity of life.
Good luck!
After you've worked the soil, really wet it down and let it set overnight. Install your plugs the next day.
Good luck, and tell us how your salad or pizza turn out when you harvest your first crop!
I'm excited for you, I hope you have great success with your herb garden!
Dorothy's comment about Marigolds is interesting. This opens a whole realm of companion gardening. There are hundreds of references to this topic, and I've only put my big toe in. Here's the wiki link, there are a lot of good examples here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_plant
I also concur about plants vs seeds. Lifes too short, and for sure our zone 4 season.
I start from seeds year round in those little green house seed starters and have great success. Outside, I have whooly thyme as a ground cover/ lawn and it works great for low traffic areas.
Good luck with your project!
I see you received excellent advice from Bonnie and Dorothy..........so will not offer any except I agree with using plants/plugs and not seeds unless you have lots of time to wait to see them grow!
On to your #2 article..........!