How to Build a Courtyard Herb Garden

Decide which herbs would do best in your courtyard. Look at what spots are sunny and which get shade. Herbs that do well without being fussed over include: lavender, basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme, and marjoram. Dill, fennel (sometimes used as a vegetable), cilantro, and tarragon prefer richer soil and a bit more water.

Select the location of your herb garden. A circular bed surrounding an urn or birdbath would be a lovely focal point for the courtyard. An easy way to mark a circle is to drive a stake where the center will be. Tie a string to the stake. The length of the string determines the radius of the circle and how big your garden will be. Hold the string taught and walk around the stake marking the ground with spray paint or with flour.

Dig the bed to a depth of 12 inches, turning over the soil as you go. Remove any rocks. Add 3 inches of compost or organic matter and fertilizer per package directions. Work into the soil and rake smooth.

Divide the circular bed into quarters. Place the urn or birdbath in the center. Or if you prefer, use a specimen plant in the center to act as the focal point. Create a path of gravel 1 foot wide to border each of the quarters, leading from the outside edge to the center of the circle. That way you can reach the inner most herbs without stepping on the outer ones.

In each quarter, plant a tall herb such as fennel, dill, or lavender, at the point next to the center. The next plants should be of medium height such as basil, cilantro, parsley, tarragon, or sage. Edge the quarter circle with short plants such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary. The variety of rosemary should be the spreading type.

Water well. Fertilize with water soluble plant food at half strength once a month during spring and summer.

Mulch the garden with wood chips for a finished look, keep in moisture and cut down on weeds.