Status: 10.11.2023, 17:00 PM
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Having your own herb bed is the dream of many amateur chefs. However, this should be planned in advance. With this step-by-step guide, it will come true.
Thyme, mint and rosemary from your own garden? Before you start your herb bed, you should plan it well. From the right location, to the right soil, to the composition of the herbs, there is a lot to consider. But with these four simple steps, it's guaranteed to work.
1. The perfect location for your herb bed
You should determine the location for your bed based on which herbs you want to plant. Mediterranean herbs such as thyme or rosemary love it sunny and dry. Our local herbs such as chives or mint prefer shady spots – for example under trees or around the house.
In general, you should choose a place that is as sheltered from the wind as possible. In snowy regions, you should place the bed out of reach of roof avalanches. If space is limited, a herb spiral is suitable.
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2. Prepare the soil in time
Once you have found the right location for your bed, you should prepare the substrate in good time. It is best to dig up the soil in autumn so that the soil can rest over the winter months.
Four easy steps to the herb bed: for that special spice in the kitchen. © Martin Schroeder/Imago
Most herbs prefer loose and lean soil. If the soil feels hard or loamy, consider adding a little sand. If, on the other hand, the soil is too dry and sandy, you can counteract this with high-quality garden soil. If you want to be on the safe side, you can get special herb soil (promotional link) from the garden center. You can use them on their own or mix them into the existing soil.
You can also incorporate a little organic material such as compost or a soil activator. In this way, you improve the soil structure and ensure active soil life from bacteria, beneficial fungi and other microorganisms.
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3. Plan your planting well
Before you start your herb bed, plan it with a sketch on paper. This is because some herbs grow better together, others do not get along so well. Place plants close to each other that have similar requirements for the soil. Also consider from which direction the sun shines primarily. Plan in such a way that sun-loving plants do not shade each other – and plant shade-loving herbs in the protection of taller growing bed mates.
In general, you should not plant annual herbs together with perennial hardy herbs in a bed. This is because the annual replantings would damage the root network of the perennial herbs again and again. And last but not least: If the herbs are to be used as ingredients for your cooking, be sure to choose them according to your cooking habits.
4. Plant the herbs in the bed
Once you have procured the herbs, first spread them in the pots in the bed. Stick to your planting schedule and make sure there is enough space between plants. Keep in mind that some herbs will still sprout upwards and others may be more broad. Then dig a small hole for each plant.
Before pulling a plant out of the pot, loosen the root ball. To do this, gently squeeze the pot from several sides until you feel some room to move inside. Place the plant in the bed and press the soil gently. There should be no more holes and cavities.
Finally, water your herb garden extensively. Do not use additional fertiliser for the time being. Most herbs are quite frugal – too many nutrients often distort their aroma.