There are many benefits of summer: the pools are open, the kids are out of school, and the fruits and vegetables are fresh! There is nothing better than having fresh herbs to season your delicious summer meals. Here are a few essentials on how to start your home herb garden so you can enjoy fresh herbs right from the back yard of your Christopher Companies home.

When starting a garden for the first time, remember that it is better to start with something small and manageable. Smaller herb gardens are easier to maintain and water. Here are some important steps to consider when starting your summer garden!

1. Sun:
Find a sunny location in your kitchen or on your deck, as herbs need up to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive. The more sun your herbs get, the more they’ll grow! Check out this list to see what herbs need sun and what herbs need more shade. For example, dry herbs such as rosemary and oregano need more sun than moist herbs, like basil and cilantro.

2. Soil:
Growing herbs will be easy with the nutrient-rich soil of Northern Virginia! Use soil from the ground to fill your pots, or buy soil from your local home improvement store.

3. Herbs:
Spend a few more cents and buy herbs that are already growing. Since the herbs have already sprouted, they will require minimal time and effort to take care of! Just fill a pot with some of your soil and you’ll be ready to go!

4. Space:
Make sure that you space the herbs out evenly, allowing them plenty of room to grow without competing for sunlight and water. Many packages have directions on how to properly space the herbs. If there are no instructions, feel free to ask an employee at the place of purchase, or look it up online.

5. Water: 
The key element for any living organism is water! Make sure to water your herbs on a regular basis. Check to make sure that the soil is moist and that all of the plants are getting equal amounts of water. If the soil feels dry to the touch, sprinkle it with some water.

Make a list of the things you and your family wants to grow, that way everyone can enjoy the fresh herbs! A little planning will go a long way towards making your herb garden a successful one. Research the herbs that you want to grow so you are able to give them the care that is needed. Your herb garden will be the envy of all your friends and make for delicious seasoning this summer!

For more information about Christopher and our homes, visit us online!

Source: https://www.tastefulgarden.com/store/pc/Herb-Gardening-for-Beginners-d19.htm
https://www.today.com/home/how-grow-herbs-when-water-how-much-sunlight-more-t25211