Welcoming Herbs Into Your Vegetable Garden
by Fran Ott
Many garden books recommend that gardeners
plant their herbs close to the kitchen for quick and easy harvest. While
this is good advice, the reality may be that it isn't practical to your
particular situation.
Perhaps your kitchen exits into the shadiest part of your yard or into your
driveway. Even if you have a sunny patio adorned with all your favorite potted
herbs, putting some herbs back with the rest of your garden will bring you
several rewards. The first benefit is that when you are in the kitchen cooking
and need some fresh herbs you have an excuse to get back into the garden
among your plants and flowers. For us gardeners, is there a better place
to be? Just don't get too distracted and forget that pan on the stove.
In addition to their culinary applications, most herbs are attractive plants
that add beauty and fragrance to the garden. Gardeners that allow some of
their herbs to go to flower are rewarded handsomely. Many herbs produce lovely
flowers that add spectacular color to the various shades of green. In addition
to the color, bees and other beneficial insects are extremely attracted to
flowering herbs. You will find a vibrant "buzz" of activity centered around
your herbs. When planted close to your vegetables, pollination of your crop
is enhanced. Planting herbs is one of the most effective ways to attract
bees to your garden.
Gardeners want to be careful when companion planting herbs and vegetables.
Be aware that most herbs do not require as much water as vegetables. To alleviate
over watering, plant herbs near vegetables but not directly among them. There
are infinite possibilities when it comes to incorporating herbs into your
garden. You are only limited by your imagination. Remember it is your garden
and only has to please you. Your garden doesn't have to follow strict symmetrical
angles or conform to some new fad design that is all the rave this season.
I like to give herbs prominence in the garden. I put them on a pedestal,
and make them a focal point. I like the way herbs and rocks work together.
Gather some rocks and start layering them, like you're building a stone wall.
You decide the size and shape, just make sure the herbs will be easily
accessible. You may want a ring, a semicircle or a star design. When you
finished with the rocks, fill in with soil. Raised beds in a corner or two
may be all you require. Mound some soil into small hills and ring the bottom
with stones, shells or driftwood. These informal little herb gardens scattered
among your vegetables will add interest and contrast to the straight rows
of your vegetable garden.
About the Author:
Fran Ott is the gardening husband of Heidi Ott, owner of Crafter's Community at
http://www.crafterscommunity.com
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