Where to grow herbs

Most herbs are adaptable and will accommodate a variety of growing conditions and locations. A successful organic garden depends, however, on a certain amount of planning and the selection of compatible varieties for each growing location within the garden. For example, dry climate herbs do not appreciate fertiliser applications or excessive watering. It therefore makes better sense to use these as ornamental borders, rather than attempting to grow them in mixed garden beds along with vegetables, fruit, or flowers. Exception can be made for any herbs which contribute to the overall sustainability goals of organic production. It is often recommended that comfrey be closely planted with tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, and currant bushes.

Comfrey is a deep rooted herb, high in protein, and one of the best natural sources of potassium and other essential minerals. Tomatoes, in particular, are susceptible to potassium deficiency which is identified by weak stems and yellowing leaves. Because they grow quickly, comfrey plants can be cropped back with scissors every month. Loose clippings should be left in the sun a few days before digging them into the soil around tomato plants. From an organic perspective, this routine is considerably safer than applying chemical fertilisers such as potassium chloride.

Because chervil and garlic are able to thrive in moist soils with lots of organic matter, they are suitable for inclusion in vegetable gardens. It is often said that sulfur compounds in garlic will prevent soil disease and protect surrounding plants. There are several herbs which are particularly useful for their ability to discourage insect pests from fruit and vegetable crops. A combination of mint, oregano, and horseradish can be used to deter a wide variety of destructive insects, including caterpillars, fruit fly, white fly, and aphids.

Dill should be planted a considerable distance from leafy vegetables. Its scent attracts cabbage moths and helps ensure that most larvae hatch at a sufficient distance to protect the vegetables. Large scale organic orchards benefit from herbs interplanted among fruit trees. These will encourage beneficial pollinators like honey bees, bumble bees, hummingbirds, and the graceful monarch butterflies. Lemon balm, lavender, marshmallow, and hyssop will help to attract these beneficial creatures into the orchard or garden.

A carefully chosen selection of decorative and fragrant herbs will enhance the beauty and serenity of a well stocked organic flower garden. When senses are repeatedly assaulted with the noise and visual disturbances of modern communication, it is important to slow down occasionally and reconnect with nature. With long working hours and hectic schedules, it is a fact that many individuals cannot undertake the experience of an organic flower garden by daylight. The solution, it would appear, is to design a fragrant garden which can be enjoyed well into the evening. Herbs are wonderful for refining the senses, particularly after dark when their fragrance, texture, and shapes become increasingly subtle and complex. A short period of quiet relaxation in a night garden calms the active mind and prepares the body for restful sleep.

The best herbs to use in a flower garden and for the surrounding borders are lavender, chamomile, sassafras, angelica, rosemary, thyme, caraway, fragrant mint varieties, and lemon balm. These and other organically grown herbs can be combined with flowering annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Chamomile is considered an excellent border species as it increases the essential oil content in surrounding plants, bringing forth their fragrance. Other border favourites include lemon balm which releases its fragrance when brushed against, rosemary, and lavender which are both wonderful companions beside a path. Flowering cottage gardens require lots of contrasting colour and energetic shapes.

Consider contrasting French marigold with sunflowers and purple flowered chives. Chervil has vibrant green foliage while aloe and thyme both provide a decisive textural contrast against bedding annuals. An additional benefit with most herbs is their capacity to attract songbirds in the morning and early evening. It is also worthwhile planting native shrubs and herbs, since these encourage natural insect predators such as small lizards, spiders, and beetles.

On account of the inconsistent rainfall and temperature patterns associated with global warming, plants which cope with seasonal shifts and inconsistent weather conditions have become increasingly popular. Throughout history, plants which excelled in their ability to adapt to changes in temperature, soil quality, and other environmental conditions were inevitably preferred against those with narrow requirements. Basil, for example, originated in India where it grows throughout the year in rich but well drained tropical soils. In the latter portion of the eighteenth century, basil was exported to England where it was successfully grown as an exotic ornamental. The colder, wetter conditions kept the plants smaller and restricted their growing season; however they maintained their popularity and were soon cultivated in many regions throughout Europe. Despite the prevalence of lean and parched soils, basil now flourishes in coastal Mediterranean regions to such an extent that it has become permanently associated with Italian cuisine. While basil is one of relatively few semi tropical plants fully acclimatised to dry conditions, there are many hot and dry climate plants which have successfully adapted to temperate and cooler weather regions. Included among these are lavender, rosemary, aloe, thyme, and bay.

Most plants increase their tolerance of dry conditions once they mature and develop a strong root network. To encourage this, it is best to avoid frequent watering and the use of chemical fertilisers. By restricting watering to once or twice each week, dry climate herbs can survive well in marginal conditions, even flourishing in the rocky, sandy soils, around salt flats and disused river beds. While semi tropical plants like basil and coriander are extremely adaptable, they do prefer aerated, well drained soils with an abundance of rich organic material.