Many common types of herbs can now be taken home from any supermarket all year round. However, these plants have been grown in greenhouses for a short life on the windowsill and have not been hardened enough for life in the garden. If you want to buy herbs for further cultivation outdoors, it is better to get the young plants from the nursery.
How do I plant an herb garden?
To plant a herb garden, you should plant sensitive herbs on the windowsill from February onwards, sow robust varieties directly into the bed in spring and plant perennial herbs in autumn. Pay attention to ideal planting and sowing times as well as soil conditions and location.
Spring is the best time to plant herbs
Herbs should be planted outdoors in spring if possible. Most species are somewhat sensitive to cold, especially since they were often raised in regions that are more accustomed to warmth. For these, a planting date after the Ice Saints is best suited. You can also plant robust perennial species such as mint or wormwood in autumn, preferably between mid-September and mid-October.
Sowing herbs – This is how it’s done
However, many types of herbs are best grown yourself by sowing. All one- and two-year-old species can only be propagated in this way anyway. You can sow robust, cold-resistant varieties directly into the garden bed in spring at their final location. The optimal time for sowing depends on the type of herb, but also on the climatic conditions of your region. It usually falls between the end of March and the end of May. Prepare the bed carefully by loosening and possibly improving the soil, removing weeds and smoothing the surface. Do not scatter the fine seeds too densely, otherwise you will have to thin out the seedlings after emergence.
Prefer sensitive herbs on the windowsill
Sensitive types of herbs, on the other hand, should be placed on the windowsill in the house from February onwards. Use seed and herb soil (€6.00 on Amazon) as a substrate and ensure high humidity by covering the containers with plastic covers or foil. Place the sowing in a bright, warm window and always keep it evenly moist. As soon as the first real leaves have formed after the cotyledons, the seedlings must be separated into larger pots. Now you no longer need to cover the plants, but can instead slowly accustom them to fresh air and outside temperatures.
Put young plants in the herb bed
The young plants are only planted outdoors after the Ice Saints, i.e. in mid-May. Loosen the soil to at least a spade depth and remove all weeds. After these preparatory measures, lay out the plants on the bed in order to be able to check the correct spacing. Dig the planting hole so that around two to three centimeters of space remains around the root ball. Now make some soil improvements if necessary. Then hold the plants in, fill up the soil again and press the ball down with your fingers. Finally, water generously so that the roots can grow more easily.
Tip
The plants must not be lower in the bed than in the pot, otherwise they will often become unwell and not want to thrive.
