Herb Gardening

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Mint
• Sage
• Dill
• Oregano
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Lemon balm
• Chives

All members of your family working on this project will have a necessary and important role to play.

• The “Landscape Architect” will lead the design component of the project.
• The “Horticulturist” will facilitate the planting of the herbs.
• The “Supervisor” will handle quality control and directing the activities to ensure the project is a success.

• You need to select a spot that will receive at least 6-hours of sunlight a day.
• Measure the space you have available for your herb garden.
• As a team, decide what the best format will be for your herb garden. Below are 3 options to get you started when thinking about the most efficient herb garden design for your space.

Option 1: Vertical Herb Garden Possible Materials

• 3 Tier Planter
• Plant Stand
• Wooden Ladder Plant Stand
• Garden Lattice with Plastic Terra Cotta Pots and S Hooks

Option 2: Giant Container Possible Materials

• Galvanized Tub (sizes and amount TBD by design plan)
• Wooden Barrel (sizes and amount TBD by design plan)
• Pebbles (to fill in the empty space around the pots)

Option 3: Storage Box Plant Table Possible Materials

• Deck Box Small
• Deck Box Large

• Using the materials listed above as a starting point, determine the maximum number of pots or containers and sizes you will be able to fit in your design.
• Make sure the pots you decide to plant your herbs in have a drainage hole so the extra water can drain away.
• If you are making your pot out of recycled materials, make sure you poke a hole in the bottom.
• Keep in mind, you will need to have space for these pots inside when the weather gets colder.
• Based on the number of pots or containers you will be able to incorporate, decide which herbs you want to plant and estimate the amount of soil bags you will need. Then, obtain the needed amount of soil.

• Begin planting your herbs by first covering the bottom of the pot with 1- to 2-inches of pebbles to increase
  drainage.
• Add soil above the gravel until the pot is about 3/4 full.
• Remove any plastic packaging from the herb plant and release the roots before placing it in the soil.

• Using your small shovel, fill in additional soil around the herb plant and push the soil into place with your hands to ensure the herb remains stable in the pot.
• Be sure to leave a small gap of soil at the top of the pot so it does not overflow when watered.
• Add plant food to each pot as directed by the instructions.
• Water your herbs. Continue to check your herbs and water them regularly because the soil in a pot can dry out quickly.

• Arrange your garden in the pre-planned design you created.
• Pots with herbs can be arranged vertically, placed in the large tub with small pebbles filling in empty space around the pots, or you can store your gardening supplies inside of the storage box and arrange the pots on top.
• Remember - there is nothing wrong with refining or changing your design as you start building! You also might want to make labels to know what herbs are in your garden. Enjoy your fresh herbs as the plant grows bigger and bigger!