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Posted: Jun/06/2006 2:27 PM PST
We have a 10 x 12 flowerbed on the west (front) of our home. There is a mimosa tree in that bed that provides much needed shade from the afternoon sun. The bed has previously held vinca - which I spent 3 years removing - much to 'snake-y' for me. So, other than a few blades of grass here and there, the plot is ready for something. The spot is shaded most of the day - direct sun from about 3 until 6. We are in zone 7 - about 45 min. north of Dallas. Our soil is that black land 'gumbo' so, I do raised beds for my veggie garden and this works out well. I am thinking of filling this space with an eclectic mix of pots and containers for herbs . . . bigger ones in the back and on the side, tapering down to smaller ones in the front. I cook with garlic and onions - a lot! I have also started using basil, marjoram, thyme, oregano and dill. We also like fresh cilantro in salads and quick salsa. How would these do in my spot? I wouldn't mind some mint or some other herbs for teas . . . any other recommendations for container gardening in a spot like this? Also, are there any herbs that would come back year after year for me? I know that I am probably too late to get this going for this year but, I like to plan ahead . . . that will give me several months to gather containers and get them ready. Thanks in advance, Ellen |
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Posted: Jun/07/2006 5:35 AM PST
 [COLOR="Green"] Hi Ellen. Welcome to the forum. You can grow all those herbs ye mentioned. Are you planning on starting from seed or buying small plants at a nursery? When I had all my herbs I had everything in containers. That way you can move them if they need more or less shade. Dill and Cilanatro would prpobably bolt in this heat but ye might get a crop late fall when it's cooler. If you want very many onions or garlic cloves they should be planted in the ground in the fall. Good Luck. [/COLOR]
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Posted: Jun/08/2006 3:29 AM PST
Hi Anne and thanks for the encouragement! That was just the push I needed so, I spent the afternoon at various plant places. Home Depot had a nice selection along with our Bruce Miller nursery - don't know if that is a national chain or not. I did find a few other plants for $1 each at a local garden center - they need a little TLC though. Have you always used true gardening planters/pots for your herbs? I am wondering about using some big washtubs and such that I have. I do have an assortment of clay pots as well - just nothing real big (thinking of the mint, mostly). I wonder how some heavy duty plastic tubs would do if I put holes in the bottom . . . has anyone ever used something like that for herbs? This is what I ended up with: Basil - sweet, lemon and purple ruffles Cilantro Dill Fennel Lavendar - does this have culinary uses? Marjoram Mint - Kentucky Colonel (I figure those in Kentucky should know a good mint, with their mint juleps and all) Oregano - Italian - I may go back and get some greek . . . is there much difference in taste? Parsley - curled leaf Rosemary Sage - regular and tricolor Thyme 2 mystery herbs - I think they are a thyme of some sort - I will post a pic and see what the experts think. Any tips or thoughts on these selections? Well, now the fun part begins . . . getting them planted! Ellen Edited to add: I spent the morning working on container arrangement but, I would like to hear back from someone about using plastic containers with holes in the bottom before I get these filled and planted. |
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Posted: Jun/09/2006 9:38 AM PST
[COLOR=green] Boy oh boy, I didn't realize I encouraged ye that much. LOL Great start. You can plant them in anything as long as it isn't Toxic. Most of mine were in black nursery pots I bought used fer penny's at the nursery. 1 gal up to 5gal. You already know it needs drainage holes. I suggest a good potting soil. Herbs don't need ferteilizer as they do best in poor soil. I prefer greek oregano over all the others for cooking. I usually have a little regular jus fer the heck of it. I like to plant a kitchen planter. Parsley, sage, prostrate rosemary, oregano. globe basil, thyme. chives. Jus stick in what ever ye need a pinch of for cooking and ye can get it all from one pot when yer cooking in a hurry. I like to put this as close to the kitchen as possible. The plants will stay smaller as they will be crowded. It makes an interesting planter. Suggest you read up on the plants ye have bought. The nice thing about containers is you can move them if they don't like where they are. Lavender is great but other than special recipe's it's more for scent or drying. I do love the lavenders. What kind did ye get? Well If I forgot something let me know. I do love my Herb's, and will be glad to help ye anyway I can!! Good Luck!! :animorang[/COLOR]
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