Create a herb garden properly

Anyone who has a garden should not do without fresh herbs. They are so versatile and simply taste delicious. I’m sticking to general advice here, more suitable for a normal herb garden than for extraordinary creations. For most plant lovers, the decorative effect is not so important, but rather the herbs as a whole. So it’s about quite casually designed areas and beds.

First step – make a plan

First you make a plan, simply on paper. There are also programs for the PC, but paper and pen are also sufficient. First you have to clarify the location of the herb garden. Many herbs like sun, so you need to find a spot that is as sunny as possible. Many herbs thrive particularly well in front of a house wall or wall, which also stores and gives off heat. Then the size must be clarified. How much space is provided for design? What should be planted? What shape should the “garden in the garden” have?

• Once the appropriate place has been determined, it is measured.
• If paths are provided, it looks nicer if the beds and distances are evenly distributed.
• That’s why you first measure the floor area and then determine where paths should go.
• A clear concept helps when designing the beds.
• The plants planted together must match their requirements.
• It therefore makes sense to create smaller beds and organize them, e.g. kitchen spices, local wild herbs, Mediterranean herbs, aromatic and medicinal herbs
• These small beds do not take up much space, but offer a rich variety.
• It is ideal to combine the herbs according to location requirements and use.
• The areas are divided by a classic crossroads.
• Natural materials should serve as the path surface, i.e. fine gravel or grit and also bark mulch.
• If there is enough space, the beds can be bordered with a box hedge, natural stones or even flat wooden palisades.
• Once the theoretical part has been completed and a plan has been drawn up on paper, you can start with the practical implementation

Second step – stake out beds and plan paths

Paths make it easier to maintain a herb garden. It’s just better to get everywhere. In addition, you can always harvest dry feet. In this way, stepping damage can also be avoided. You don’t have to lay paved paths through the herb garden. For small beds, a few tread plates are enough. You can get anywhere from the outside. For larger dimensions, the paths should be well planned. Surfaces can be subdivided decoratively and patterns can also be laid.

• Bark mulch and gravel are inexpensive and adapt to any bed shape.
• Weed fleece laid under the mulch layer saves a lot of regular weeding.
• If the beds are close to the terrace, paved paths are ideal. They will certainly be used frequently.
• You wait until the soil has dried well before you mark out the paths and beds. That makes things easier.
• When preparing the bed, you mark the paths with the planting cord.

Third step – create paths and border beds

It is easier to create the paths first and then the beds. So you have a better position and the assessment of the rooms is better. Of course you can also proceed the other way around, everyone should do it as they prefer. The main thing is that the string is attached so that the plants can be planted within the beds and also leave some space, because they still want to grow and spread.

• Depending on which path material you have chosen, you have to treat the subsoil.
• Apart from bark mulch and gravel, paving is well suited. There is a large selection and so you can find the right one for every design idea.

Fourth step – prepare beds

Depending on which plants are to be used, the soil conditions must be adjusted. Some like very barren, dry soil, others need it a little moist. The plant substrate should be prepared accordingly. Sand can be mixed in with heavy, loamy or clayey soils. Sandy substrate is improved with humus. Peat stores water longer and so there is a measure for every problem to get everything right. Now it becomes clear why the subdivision of the beds is so important after all.

Fifth step – plants

Finally, you can plant. You are clear about the selection, that was part of point 1. You can use herbs you have grown yourself or bought. You can get herbs from your trusted gardener, in hardware stores and garden centers and even in discount stores or supermarkets. It is important to only purchase healthy-looking, vigorous plants, otherwise you will not get much pleasure from them. A good source, also for more unusual herbs, are the weekly markets. There is often a herb woman (or man) there who can also procure herbs that are not in stock.

Plant composition for individual beds

Local kitchen spices
Local herbs have the advantage that they are hardy, often even in very unfavorable locations. It is ideal to stagger these herbs according to height, with the taller ones in the background.

• Background – lovage, fennel, caraway
• Middle – Lemon balm, coriander, borage , tarragon, marjoram and calendula
• Bed border – parsley and chives
• Sow chervil, dill and rocket every few weeks between April and September

Mediterranean herbs
Mediterranean herbs thrive best in full sun. There are many poster-forming varieties that can be combined well. When choosing, you can be guided by your personal taste. There are many different types of thyme and sage.

• Lavender and rosemary should not be missing
• These go well with: thyme, sage, oregano , savory, annual marjoram, holy herb, mountain savory, flower candy and others

Local wild
herbs Wild herbs are generally healthy. Many have a blood-purifying effect. They also strengthen the immune system. Most are also suitable for seasoning. They are on everyone’s lips at the moment because of “green smoothies”, which more and more health-conscious people are discovering for themselves. Most native wild herbs prefer moist, loamy soil and light shade rather than full sun. A slightly larger planting distance is important so that the plants can spread and do not have to compete with each other.

• Plantain, pansies and tormentil need space
• Comfrey and lady’s mantle are spreading
  • division every few years
• Angelica and hops grow very large
  • do best in the middle of the bed
  • Hops need a framework.
• Mallow, daisies, valerian, wormwood, mullein, verbena, yarrow are suitable plants.
• John’s wort likes it dry! This is the exception here.

Scented and medicinal herbs
The essential oils contained here are particularly convincing. They can be used in tea, tinctures and ointments. Most leaves and flowers can be harvested. Many plants are valued for their immune-boosting ingredients. In any case, it is a pleasure to walk along this bed and take a deep breath.

• If possible, plant the nettle together with feverfew and chamomile along the path. So has more of the scent.
• Real arnica (needs lime-free, moist peat soil)
• Indian nettle, southernwood and purple coneflower harmonize with the colors of the flowers
• Rock roses, Roman chamomile, lemon St. John’s wort and hyssop fit into this herb bed.

Conclusion
The most important thing in the herb garden is that you only plant plants together that match their requirements (location, soil, water requirements). The design is a matter of taste. Paths make it easier to get to the plants, pull the weeds and ensure dry feet everywhere. The layout and size of the herb garden always depends on the available space. It is important that you make a plan first.