Herb Gardens in Tucson, AZ

Herb Selection

• Compile a list of herbs and check into their growth habits. Some herbs can become quite large. Rosemary, for example, is a perennial evergreen in Tucson that can reach a height and width of 4 to 6 feet. Herbs in the mint family can be invasive and many herb gardeners prefer to grow them in pots to keep them from taking over the herb garden.

Sun

• Check into the sun exposure requirements of the herbs. Most herbs prefer a full sun exposure. However, in Tucson many herbs will need shade from the hot mid-day sun. Lemon balm, parsley and most herbs within the mint family need some afternoon shade. Fennel, marjoram and sage prefer full sun, even in Tucson, but will grow well in partial shade.

Soil

• Determine what type of soil the herbs on the list require. Many herbs require organically fertile soil while others thrive in nutrient-poor soil. Sage, for example, can be grown in average soil but thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soil. Bee balm will adapt to most types of soil including nutrient-poor soils. Parsley can be grown successfully in average soil but prefers nutrient-rich soil. Make sure the herbs have similar soil requirements or plant those with somewhat different soil needs in pots.

Water

• Drought tolerant herbs are most likely to thrive in a Tucson herb garden. Another term for these plants is xeric. Xeric herbs require very little water to thrive. Thyme is drought tolerant and prefers to be kept somewhat dry. Sweet marjoram is highly drought and heat tolerant. Even with drought tolerant plants, however, some extra water will need to be provided. Herb seeds must be watered several times a day for germination to take place and seedlings will need to be watered regularly until they get established. A soaker hose placed between the rows right after planting makes watering much more convenient and efficient. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch in the garden, with the soaker hose beneath the mulch, to help with moisture retention.