Guide : How to create a herb garden and the tools you’ll need

GARDEN

How to create a
herb garden?

Herbs add flavour to your dishes and are easy to grow, both in the garden and on a balcony. Here is how to set up your herbs and look after them well.

QUICK ANSWER

	Choose a very bright spot (ideally at least 6 hours of sunlight a day).
	Use a free-draining medium: quality potting compost with a little compost added.
	Pick 4 to 6 easy herbs: basil, thyme, chives, parsley, mint, rosemary.
	Plant in open ground or in pots (with drainage holes), then water regularly.
	Get the basic tools to prepare, water and trim.

WHY A HERB GARDEN

Flavour & freshness

More intense flavours than dried herbs, picked on demand.

Savings

Fewer purchases of fresh herbs in store over time.

Looks & fragrance

Decorative plants, sometimes nectar-rich (lavender, sage).

Well-being

Traditional uses: mint for digestive comfort, sage for its historical uses.

OUR STEP-BY-STEP TIPS

1	Choose the spot Full sun is best; failing that, at least 6 hours of direct light a day.
2	Choose the herbs Match them to how you cook: basil (salads, pesto), thyme and rosemary (meats, roast vegetables), chives and parsley (fresh), mint (infusions, desserts).
3	Prepare the soil or growing medium Fertile, free-draining soil: weed it, loosen it, add compost and potting compost.
4	Plant Space according to the variety, firm in, water. In pots: enough volume and drainage holes.
5	First care Water without waterlogging, mulch to keep moisture in, trim lightly to encourage branching.

BASIC TOOLS

Spade or shovel

For digging and turning over the soil.

Rake

For levelling the soil after loosening.

Gardening gloves

To protect your hands while you work.

Watering can

For regular, controlled watering.

Scissors or secateurs

For trimming and harvesting the stems.

CARE & HARVEST

	Watering Regular but moderate: let the surface dry out slightly between waterings.
	Trimming & harvest Pinch out the tender stems (basil), harvest in the morning, remove basil flowers to extend production.
	Plant-by-plant specifics Mint is vigorous: keep it in a pot. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which herbs for a partly shaded balcony?

Go for chives, parsley, mint (in a pot) and coriander in spring or autumn. Basil and rosemary prefer more sun.

How often should I water?

In a pot: 2 to 4 times a week depending on heat and wind. In open ground: 1 to 2 times a week, more often in dry spells. Avoid overwatering.

Can I add a little fertiliser?

Yes, a small dose of organic fertiliser or well-rotted compost in spring is enough. Avoid feeding too richly, which favours foliage at the expense of flavour.

NEED SOME ADVICE?

A question about which herbs to pick or which tools to plan for? Our advisers will guide you.

How to create aherb garden?

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How to create a
herb garden?