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You don’t have to forgo a beautiful outdoor space because you don’t have a backyard. While you may not have enough space to grow a dozen vegetables, it’s possible to create an herb garden that provides delicious additions for your pantry. In fact, it’s easier than you think. Here are a few patio herb garden ideas to get you started.
1. Measure Space and Sunlight
Before you decide which herbs to grow, it’s essential to think about your patio’s size. After all, you’ll only need a small section for the garden. But before you set aside a specific corner, it’s smart to see when and where the sun shines on your patio. This way, you’ll be able to keep your herbs happy and healthy.
Take a day to track how the sun hits your patio. Most herbs need to spend five to six hours under direct sunlight. Otherwise, they won’t be able to grow properly. What direction does your patio face? This factor can help you determine where to locate your herb garden.
2. Choose Between Different Herbs
After you select a spot, you’ll want to consider which herbs you want to grow. It’s important to note that not all herbs can coexist. You may be inclined to grow each plant inside a single pot, but that’s not a smart move unless you choose specific herbs. They need to share the same preferences so that they can thrive.
You should consider different herb variations to ensure that you don’t run into any problems. For example, it’s best to grow cilantro and tarragon separately from oregano and sage. Once you’ve settled on a game plan for your herbs, it’s time to purchase a few supplies.
3. Purchase All Necessary Supplies
You don’t need much to start an herb garden. Aside from the plants, you’ll need containers, as well as a light potting soil. Remember that you can make modifications as necessary to fit your particular space. Not every garden looks the same.
Make sure that your pots can drain excess water through the bottom. You may want to look into a self-watering container if you choose an herb that requires more moisture than others. Additionally, you could try an herb tower garden to conserve some space. It all depends on how much room you have to use.
As far as soil goes, you’ll want to purchase a less dense garden soil. Potting soil can provide more drainage for your herbs so that they don’t drown. You won’t need much fertilizer, either. You can feed your herbs a small amount, but you shouldn’t feel like you need to do so every day.
4. Think About Other Additions
Here are a few patio herb garden ideas to further transform your space. Feel free to try unique, artsy pots to make your patio look more put-together. You can also purchase tables and holders to elevate some containers. Why not hang your herbs with a vertical planter to save space and create dimension?
These additions can make your patio look extra special. As long as you don’t compromise your herbs’ environment, it’s smart to have a little fun with your designs. You could disperse your herbs throughout your patio for balance, too. A few more plant additions can round out the space to create a peaceful oasis.
5. Plant, Care and Harvest
Make sure to group your herbs into like categories, as mentioned previously. You can print out small labels to stick into the soil so that you know what’s what. It’s also smart to research how they’ll look once they’re fully grown. If one herb needs more space to blossom, it’s important not to crowd it with other herbs.
Water your herbs as soon as you plant them. Keep up with a consistent schedule so that they receive enough water based on their needs. You should check your herbs throughout these initial weeks to ensure that they grow correctly. Always consider the weather so that you don’t overwater them.
You’ll know that it’s time to harvest your herbs when they have enough foliage to sustain themselves. Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the plant cleanly. Look into how you should harvest each specific herb. Otherwise, you may make an incorrect cut that damages the plant. For example, you should cut basil from the top, not the bottom.
You can then use your herbs as you please.
Use This Guide to Grow Delicious Produce at Home
These patio herb garden ideas can help you grow and maintain a delicious selection at home. Whether you prefer mint or thyme, it’s possible to create a beautiful herb garden without much effort. You’ll soon have a stunning space with yummy herbs for your cooking needs.