There are no real hard and fast rules, when designing a herb garden. In most cases, they are largely left to the imagination of the person planting them. Other factors, such as size and sun should also be considered. Most times, they are planned in the old traditional method of squares, or rectangles, divided in to smaller squares, to make tending the gardens easy and less labour intensive. This plan is taken from the monks of old, who planned their herb garden design, with the use of the plants in mind.
Typically, herbs used regularly, for culinary purposes, were placed in the herb garden, as close to the kitchen door as possible, to allow picking. They also considered the nature of the plants and their use, in designing the garden. Such considerations, as annual, biennial, or continuous growing, also were taken into account. Due to their herb garden design, they could keep fresh herbs constantly growing and have easy access to those most often used. Additionally, decorative plants were often included in the herb garden, to make it aesthetically appealing. This is still a concept used by many gardeners.
When considering your herb garden design, for you own backyard, the first thing to look at, is the area in which it will be located. It should have exposure to full sun, for about four to six hours every day. Some herbs may grow better with more sunshine and others with less, but as a basic rule of thumb, they like the sun and should grow well.
In many instances, an herb garden can be designed, to fit into the existing landscape design. It can either be at ground level, with a small wooden frame surrounding it, in order to completely separate it, from the remainder of the yard, or alternatively, the herb garden can be raised, by building a frame out of larger timber, such as rail sleepers. These would then be filled with soil. Small steps leading to the upper level, may be needed, to walk on the pathways included, in its design.
Smaller herb garden design kits, are available to grow herbs indoors, or on a patio, for those living in apartments, without the benefit of access to a larger yard. Many herbs grow very successfully in containers. Herbs, form two main groups. Those used for spicing foods and those used for their medicinal uses. Some even offer both options.
Once the basic design has been selected, the choice of plants and their relative position in the garden, needs planning. Make sure there is room to maneuver, when weeding, or gathering the herbs, or spices from the garden. Just try to make it look attractive and functional, at the same time. You should get years of benefit, from a well designed herb garden and you will be amazed at the many uses for herbs.
Just use your imagination and plant what you might need. The herb garden does not need to be big and it would be a waste, to plant things you won’t ever use. Apart from seasoning, medicinal remedies and poultices, many herbs have a lovely aromatic fragrance too.
Did you know there are dozens of easy and cheap medicinal uses for common ailments? By growing your own herbs, you will save a fortune in regular medicines and drugs. Read our article entitled “Some herbs used for medicinal purposes”, to learn more.
Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.
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[…] Typically, herbs used regularly, for culinary purposes, were placed in the herb garden, as close to the kitchen door as possible, to allow picking. They also considered the nature of the plants and their use, in designing the garden.4 […]