Herb Garden Layout Ideas
Herb gardening is a popular hobby. It's not only easy but practical as the plants are used in cooking, medicinal remedies, and decoration. When planning an herb garden, consider the herbs you enjoy most as well as soil and light conditions and accessibility. Choosing an appropriate layout helps herbs grow with minimal effort. Here are several herb layout ideas to consider.
Raised Beds
Divide your garden into raised framed beds tailored to specific herbs. Herbs vary in response to light, soil, and water, so similar herbs should be grouped together. One bed might contain rosemary, sage and oregano, which all respond to sandy soil, full sun and daily watering. Another bed might have dill and chives, which need partial sun and average soil. Another bed might have basil and coriander, which prosper in rich soil and direct sun. A popular layout is to plant a series of rows with the tallest herbs at the back and the shortest herbs in front. The taller herbs will help shade the smaller ones, but will still be easy to access.
Decorative Patterns
Many herb gardens are arranged in designs like horseshoes, circles, wheels, or squares. Often they contain a decorative lawn ornament like a fountain or bird feeder. One popular layout is the horseshoe shape in which the edge is lined with small herbs like arugula, oregano and lemon grass. The inside is planted with taller and bigger herbs that might provide shade relief such as rosemary.
Container Layout
Using containers, gardeners can arrange herbs according to themes such as color, scent and varieties of an herb. When using containers, choose a pot large enough so as not to crowd the plant. Generally, 1 gallon of space is needed for each plant. Drought resistant herbs like sage and thyme thrive in containers if you forget to water them.
