How to Plant an Organic Herb Garden

Loosen the soil. The soil should be rich and dark. Make sure the soil is loose in either your planting container or in the area in your garden you plan to use. Keep in mind, many herbs are perennial plants and will return year after year, so the garden area should be reserved for herbs only.

Add an organic fertilizer or natural compost to the soil before planting to give your herbs the additional nutrients they need to start the growing process. Mix the material in with the soil so that it is well incorporated. Adding worms at this time will also assist in the aeration and natural fertilization of the soil.

Prepare your planting area. If you are planting seeds, prepare either the container or garden area according to the package directions. Most seeds need to be placed only one-quarter inch below the surface of the ground, so soil should be removed to that depth. Plants will require that you dig a small hole in the soil that is just larger than the root system of the plant.

Plant your seeds and plants. Plants are good for instant usage while seeds will take time to mature, so a mix of both is often a good way of extending the growing season. Once the seeds and plants are placed in the prepared soil, cover with soil and tamp or press the soil down lightly over the seeds or plant root system.

Water the seeds and plants. Container plants should be watered well, allowed to drain, then set to rest for several days so the roots can establish themselves in the soil. Garden seeds and plants will need to be watered at least every other day to keep the soil moist in order to promote germination and root growth.