Guest Author - Jenn Givler

Selecting the proper location for your herb garden is important. It does little good to create a garden in a location where the plants will not have proper conditions for growth. You will save yourself time and unwanted exercise if you read through this column and complete the exercises given. Begin by acquainting yourself with the conditions herbs need for optimal growth.

What Conditions Do Herbs Need for Optimal Growth?

1. Herbs need 4-6 hours of full sun each day. This should be between 10: 00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. because the sun's rays are strongest during this time.
   
2. Herbs need moderately loose, well drained, moderately fertile soil. The soil should contain plenty of humus (decayed vegetable matter). Note: soil can be amended to create these conditions.
   
3. Herb plants should have good air circulation to prevent diseases.
   
4. Water should be nearby for irrigation as needed.
   

Your next step is to decide where to create your herb garden. Future columns will discuss growing herbs in containers or hanging baskets. For now, we will assume your garden will be planted in the traditional manner. Let's walk through the process of determining the best location based on the conditions for optimal growth given above. We'll do this by creating a sketch of your property and identifying items that cannot be moved.

Create a sketch of the property.

Indicate where houses and other buildings, driveways, sidewalks, existing gardens, and unmoveable trees or shrubs are located.

Follow these steps:

1. Use graph paper .
   
2. Determine how many feet 1 square represents.
   
3. Measure lot size and outline the property on your graph paper.
   
4. Use shapes to show the house, driveway, sidewalks, and other items that cannot be moved.
   
5. Indicate any shadows during the 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. time period.
   
6. Select a spot that will receive full sun, with no shadows, from the 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
   
7. Make sure you can reach that potential garden spot with your hose.
   

Completed Sketch

IMPORTANT: Check with the local utility companies to be sure your proposed site will not interfere with sewers, water lines, gas lines, telephone lines, septic tanks, or other buried utility hardware. Automatically rule out any proposed area that would interfere with utilities. In many areas the local utility company will visit your property and identify the underground lines, etc. for you with orange flags.


Please return next week to learn about your soil. You will learn how to evaluate your soil type and determine what amendments (if any) are needed before planting your garden.