Top Tips for Growing Organic Herbs in Atlanta

Who doesn’t love the aromatic smell of a fresh herb garden? Not to mention the taste! An herb garden free of chemicals and pesticides has many things to offer you and your family. Growing herbs is a great place to start when thinking of organic gardening. 

Benefits to Growing Herbs

• Most herbs are relatively low maintenance.
• They take up less space than a vegetable garden.
• They are a great addition to many dishes and drinks.
• Many home remedies for skincare or health use herbs.
• Some herbs can help keep harmful pests at bay and attract beneficial bugs to your garden.
• Many herbs offer the option of being grown in containers so they can be harvested year round, in or outdoors. 

Tips for Growing Organic Herbs

• Plant Selection: You can always grow herbs from seeds, but the easier route is to visit your local nursery and pick out some starter plants for your garden. Make sure they have not been treated with chemicals. You may have to find a local nursery, such as Farmer D Organics, that is entirely dedicated to organic gardening to gather plants that are free of pesticides.
• Prepare the Soil: Healthy soil is the most important thing for a successful organic herb garden. You’ll want to water and rough up the ground where you want your garden and enrich the soil with compost to help feed your herbs. As you place your starter plants in the soil, remember they will grow taller and wider over time. Most herbs need 1-4 ft. of space between them so they don’t get overcrowded.
• Pest Control: Herbs often deter more pests than they attract, but if insects like aphids or spider mites become a problem, rely only on organic pesticides like a garlic solution or companion planting for prevention.
• Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around your herbs to help prevent weed growth. Additionally, mulch can help with moisture retention and root insulation during the dry, summer heat.
• Water: Most herbs crave water once the surrounding soil is dry. Watering schedules will vary depending on humidity and weather conditions. Overwatering can also have adverse affects on herb growth so be sure to pay particular attention to the leaves of the plants for drooping or discoloration.
• Harvest: Once your herbs have matured, it’s time to reap the benefits. You should cut from the top third of your plant throughout the summer to encourage broader plants with new growth and more herbs. Lavender and chives are exceptions to this rule and should be cut directly from the ground. 

Popular Herbs

• Basil reaches approximately 2 ft. at full maturity. It desires full sun but needs some protection from the wind. Basil is a great addition to many summer dishes.
• Rosemary may tolerate a little shade but it does best in full sun. Make sure to give it plenty of growing room as it will grow to 3 ft. and transform into a shrub over time. Use it dried or fresh to add flavor to olive oil, lamb, or a variety of other food and drinks.
• Mint likes sun or partial shade. You may consider keeping this one contained in a pot due to its tendency spread. Otherwise, just be sure you give it plenty of room to grow. With a variety to choose from, mints can serve medicinal purposes, add a fresh scent to your home or boast refreshing flavor in many recipes or teas.
• Lavender enjoys full sun and grows purple flowers as it matures. Depending on the type you choose, it generally grows 1-3 ft. tall. Lavender is a lovely herb that may be used dried or fresh in cuisine or around your home for its fragrance and beauty. 

Enjoy all that an herb garden has to offer without the presence of harmful chemicals. You’ll be surprised at just how easy it can be to grow a variety of herbs you can use on a daily basis from your own backyard!