How to Grow Herbs Outdoors

Select a good location in your yard for your herb garden. The outdoor placement is very important to a successful herb garden. The location should provide plenty of direct sunlight and some protection from wind. Wind can be very drying to herbs, which require average soil moisture. Herbs also work well when used as borders along walkways. For convenience, place a culinary herb garden in easy reach of your kitchen.

Choose your herb plants or seeds. There are many herbs to choose from, and you will need to be careful to select ones that share the same soil, water and sunlight requirements. Chamomile, catmint, rosemary and thyme all have similar requirements, as do lemon grass, lovage, elderberry and comfrey. Dill, fennel, and mint are often aggressive and care should be used when planting these with other herbs.

Prepare the planting site. Most herbs like an average, well-drained soil. Add equal amounts of compost and sand to heavy clay soils. Loosen the soil with a garden shovel or rototiller. Herbs prefer fine soil, so break up any large clumps before planting.

Plant your herbs in your prepared garden spot. Place the larger ones to the back and small ground covers near the front. Allow room between plants for harvesting and weeding. Place a fine layer of mulch around the roots to retain moisture. Water the plants thoroughly after planting and whenever the soil becomes dry.

Take cuttings off your herbs while they are young and fresh for culinary purposes. Herbs that won't be harvested may still need pruning to keep their shape in the garden. Flowering herbs grown for aromatic purposes should be harvested before the blossoms become dry. With a little patience and care, you will be enjoying the fruits of your labor in a short time.