Culinary Herbs to Grow Together

Choosing the Right Culinary Herbs

• Although many culinary herbs exist to choose from, not all grow at the same time of year and in the same growing conditions. For example, it's important to know your United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone when planting perennial herbs, because some may not survive winters in your location. When shopping for perennial herbs, such as thyme, look for the plant hardiness zone designation included in the plant description. Be aware of the eventual size of each plant. Lemon grass, for example, may overwhelm a small culinary herb garden in one season.

Locating the Culinary Herb Garden

• Once you decide what herbs to grow based on your climate and growing conditions, find the right location for the garden in your landscape. Your research will show you that most culinary herbs grow best in soil that holds some moisture, but does not allow water to accumulate -- while others grow best with little water and plenty of sunlight. If a portion of the herbs you select need shady conditions and others don't, find a location that receives both sun and shade. Also, the soil level can be raised and amended as necessary to provide drainage by raising the bed. If possible, locate the culinary herb garden close to the kitchen door or vegetable garden where it is easily accessible.

Preparing the Culinary Herb Garden

• Prepare the culinary herb garden by removing competing vegetation and loosening the soil with a shovel or garden fork to a depth of 18 inches. Take a soil test to ensure you have the right soil pH for the herbs you establish. For assistance with a soil test, contact your local county agricultural extension office.

  Once the soil test results are mailed to you, obtain the recommended soil amendments and apply them in the prepared garden area along with 1- to 2- inches of well rotted compost. Work the amendments and compost into the top 6 inches of soil.

Planting Culinary Herbs

• Annual culinary herbs are planted from seed, while perennials are often grown from small plants purchased at a nursery. Plant annual seed after your last average frost date or start six to eight weeks early indoors.

  Plant perennials in spring or fall at the same level as they are planted in the container. Although 2 to 3 inches of mulch can be applied around the culinary herbs to conserve moisture and control weeds, culinary herbs that require dry, well-drained soil will not benefit from mulch.

Culinary Herbs with Similar Growing Requirements

• Common culinary herbs that require full sun are: basil, anise, caraway, parsley, summer savory, sage, comfrey, lemon grass, lavender, rosemary, thyme, chives and salad burnet.

  Common culinary herbs that thrive in partial sun are: mint, lovage, angelica, dill, coriander, chervil and calendula.