Herbs
Herb Garden

Where to Grow Herbs Outdoors

Many gardeners choose to grow herbs in a dedicated garden space. But versatile herbs can be grown most anywhere: mixed into vegetable beds and ornamental borders, as edgings and ground-covers, in rock gardens and atop stone walls, and in indoor and outdoor containers. The ideal site for herbs depends somewhat on their purpose. You might want basil, thyme, oregano, and other culinary herbs close to your kitchen. If you want your garden to serve primarily as a contemplative retreat, the best site would be a tranquil distance away from daily human activity.

Before planting, assess the growing conditions of your potential garden space. How much sunlight does it receive? Does the sunlight vary from season to season? Is the soil naturally moist or dry? Is it heavy clay or sandy loam? Is the location protected from driving winds and rain?

Most outdoor spaces consist of several micro-climates — small areas with unique environmental characteristics such as levels of sunlight and soil moisture. Some areas of a garden might receive direct, intense sunlight all day, while others are in dappled or full shade or receive indirect, reflected light. The amount of sunlight can also vary from season to season. The area beneath a densely leaved deciduous tree, for instance, would be sunny from fall through spring but shady during summer.

Some microclimates have drier soil than others. Elevated spots have less soil moisture than low-lying areas, and plantings beneath a leafy canopy or the eaves of a house receive significantly less precipitation than those in open areas. Soil exposed to wind and sun also rapidly loses moisture. Soil composition and pH can vary widely among microclimates, too. Sandy soil drains and warms quickly, but it’s usually low in nutrients because water rapidly leaches them out. Heavy clay soil tends to contain more nutrients, but it drains poorly. As a result, plant roots grow shallowly and might not get enough oxygen, leaving plants susceptible to disease. As much as possible, match the growing conditions to the growing requirements of the herbs you want for your garden. Nearly all herbs benefit from soil that contains a good level of organic matter.

Matching herbs to a garden’s microclimate will help ensure healthy plants. Oregano plants thrive in dry, rocky conditions

Matching herbs to a garden’s microclimate will help ensure healthy plants. Oregano plants thrive in dry, rocky conditions.

Even a garden area that receives only partial sun can be beautiful; many plants and herbs, such as this foxglove, thrive in part or full shade

Even a garden area that receives only partial sun can be beautiful; many plants and herbs, such as this foxglove, thrive in part or full shade.

BEST HERBS for SPECIAL SITES

If you are limited to a garden site with very specific growing conditions, choose herbs that will thrive there.

PARTIAL SHADE/SHADE

DAMP/WET

DRY

ALKALINE SOIL

ACID SOIL

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