Growing herbs, for me, is like dusting. I have the best of intentions, and I mean well, and I am sure that if I actually just did it, I would do it well…but it is one of those things I never put much energy into.  The one time I grew herbs, it was a neat little kit that someone got me for a Christmas gift, and it sat on a shelf for the better part of two years, until I found myself living on a farm, and I thought, Hey!  I am a farmer now, I will grow herbs!  I will have a herb garden.  Well, I planted the seeds, tended to them ‘til there were plenty of wonderful little sprouts, and then put the clay pot on a pretty little hook by a window…and much like the dusting, out of sight, out of mind. 

 

I have however in the past found myself wishing I had plenty of fresh dill at my disposal.  I mean, who wouldn’t? Dill is fabulous!  ( Especially when it comes time to pickle all those tasty cucumbers!) And mint!  Yum! As for most other things, I don’t use a whole lot of spices / herbs when cooking, and usually dried stuff from the grocery store has served me well.  Yet, I have the space, and the seeds.  Why not give it a whirl again?  I am a farmer, I will grow herbs!  I will have a herb garden. 

So today two of my little helpers and I cleaned out some planter boxes, and planted parsley, chives, oregano, basil, thyme, and tarragon.  Anybody have any suggestions, helpful hints, or pointers that I should know when caring for a herb garden?  I plan on planting some mint somewhere else.  Not in the boxes, but perhaps as a border somewhere, or in a raised bed all on its own.  I would like to surround something with mint, as I hear it keeps the mice away. I also hear it can really take over.  I refrained from planting anise. I have a couple of huge licorice lovers here, but I hear the mice just love the stuff, and I am not a lover of mice. I did not plant dill, only because I didn’t have any seeds.  If this herb garden works out for me, I will be sure to add dill in the future. I will also tell you all about it. 

Please share your own herb garden with us in the comments below, we love to hear from you.

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