Kids Herb Garden: Designed With Utility And Creativity
If your family has grown up with a garden, the thought of a kids herb garden may not have occurred to you. The children may have been expected to help with the weeding, hoeing and even planting and watering of the garden patch. If gardening is new to your children or if they have never been exposed to the fun of gardening instead of the work, choosing a child-sized area indoors or outdoors where they can plant and harvest herbs is a way to build interest.
Choosing the right size and location for the garden is important. It should be small enough to allow the child to manage the entire plot. There should be enough room to allow for several different types of herbs so that the child won’t get bored or anxious when it takes a while for the plant to develop from seed. An area the size of a window box is adequate to handle several small herb plants or plots.
Rather than a single plot, you might want to consider several pots with different herbs in each one. That way, each type of herb can be moved to a proper location for its watering and sunlight needs. Allow your child to help pick out the decorative containers if you plan to purchase them.
Although you should allow the child to help pick out the herbs, it is important that the selected plants should be ones that are relatively easy to grow and yet are interesting in shapes, smells or colors. Plants that grow only in direct sunlight are not going to be successful if the herbs must be grown in partial shade. Plants should be ones that grow relatively fast. A child watching for sprouts has been known to dig up seeds to see what they are doing.
Watering is a significant part of keeping a garden in ideal condition. Children can be taught to monitor moisture levels in a pot or other containers. The responsibility learned by children who are caring for plants will stand them in good stead throughout the rest of their lives.
From planting, to watering to harvesting, a child with an interest in gardening developed through an herb garden may enjoy carrying the interest one step further and see how the herbs are used in cooking. Add a few sprinkles of basil to potatoes and zucchini. Summer savory is excellent in soups and stews or stuffing a turkey at Thanksgiving time. Thyme is another notable herb that is used in delicious dishes.
Another interest that children can gain from growing a small herb garden is that of drying the herbs for later use. Those children who enjoy craft activities can prepare packets of dried thyme or basil as gifts to a friend who enjoys gardening or cooking. You can also teach the child to take cuttings or prepare plantings to give as gifts.
A kids herb garden provides for creativity in picking containers and plants. Teaching children to enjoy the responsibility and work of a garden as well as exposing them to the joy of growing plants is a two-fold benefit from caring for living plants. The additional benefit of having fresh herbs for use in food preparation is an added result.
The Best Methods Of Growing Lavender Plant Varieties
Lavender grows wild in the Mediterranean because of the climate and sunny skies. As long as lavender has sun to enjoy it does not mind having less than ideal soil conditions. In fact, in its natural habitat it tends to grow in soil that is rocky and dry. It loves these conditions but will tolerate just about any type of soil and it will also tolerate wet weather as long as the roots stay drained. Lavender grows just about anywhere on the earth. It is grown as a cash crop in France to make perfumes and in England, where it is generally gloomy and wet, it happily grows in gardens. England is a far cry from the Mediterranean in climate yet the plant still allows us to enjoy its beautiful scent all over the world. The best ways of growing lavender plant varieties is not hard at all.
Lavender grows faster and more successfully when the weather is warm and sunny. There are varieties of this plant that do not do well in cold climates so make sure if you live in a zone where the weather gets cold to look for a variety that is more winter hardy. Most of the time these hardy types of lavender will go dormant during the winter and once spring comes you will see it start to turn green rather quickly. Lavender does not need to be tended to. Just plant it and let it go. It only needs to be pruned occasionally and even if you do not snip the flowers when they die back the plant will still produce more.
The only condition that will certainly harm lavender is to have its roots too wet. Always plant lavender in an area where the soil drains well and quickly. If you see puddles around the roots you should probably move the plants somewhere else. It also does not appreciate crowding in a humid climate. It does not mind humidity but space the plants with an empty spot the size of a full grown plant between. If you do not the leaves may be afflicted with mold. In the winter it is wise to put mulch over the roots and tie the plant up with burlap to protect it from any cold windy weather.
Growing lavender from seed is not an option for a normal gardener. The grow rate is bad with seeds and it takes forever to get a plant that you can feel safe enough to put in the garden. Just go to the nursery and purchase a ready grown lavender plant. You will notice that lavender plants have a rather large root system sometimes being a bit bigger than the growing plant. This is not unusual for lavender but it does require that a large hole be dug that will accommodate the size of the root. You should drop some bone meal and some manure into the hole then spread the roots out a little and plant it in the hole.
Plants that have been over wintered will start to get green and actually put forth flowers early in the spring once the weather gets warm. You will get a great deal more flowers if you cut the spring growth back. Some types of lavender produce very long stems up to a foot long while others may only have a tiny stem of about three inches. Some lavender plants have flowers that come in white or blue but most are different hues of purple.
Both the flowers and leaves have lavender scent. You can cut a long stemmed plant to the end of the stem and the short stem varieties can be cut to the new growth on the plant. You can cut the entire plant back about one third of its height. You can air dry the flower by hanging them upside down in a dry area in bunches and the leaves can be dried in a basket or paper bag. If you notice an area that is not greening up on an established plant wait until the middle of June before you cut it out. If it does not look better by then get rid of the area. Flowers can be cut at any time during the spring and summer and you can prune the plants in the spring and around August. This will give the lavender plant a little time to gain energy before it gets hit with the cold of winter.
Not only can lavender grow in the ground but it is suitable to grow in containers. This is helpful for gardeners that may live in an area that does not get full sun all day. You can move the container around to get optimal sunshine. The roots of lavender are long and there are a lot of them but they love to be contained. This makes the plant grow happy as long as the roots stay dry. When you put lavender in a pot get one that is a few inches larger than the root ball. Place gravel for good drainage in the bottom of the pot and water it when the soil feels very dry.
There are hardy lavender varieties and ones that are not suitable for cold weather and hard conditions. There are some types of lavender that have a stronger scent than others. Lavender can be woven into wreaths or the oil can be extracted in order to make perfume. Lavender can grow into hedges in some climates and make great borders for the garden. Make sure you get the variety of lavender that will be the best for you and what you want to do with it. If you just want it to look pretty in your garden that is fine, but there are so many things you can do with this herb you will want to try all of them.
Let’s Begin By Growing Perennial Herbs
Growing perennial herbs is becoming a popular hobby. Imagine making culinary delights with fresh herbs. They make every meal delicious. Planning and creating a garden is a great way to provide your household with fresh herbs each year.
To begin with creating a perennial garden, one must do a quick search of the internet. Using a search engine is an easy way. Type in a term such as “perennial herbs” will bring about a huge list of options. Or check out your local store or herb book from the library. Also there will be a list of seed companies that can help the gardener locate the type of plants they would like to grow. Many companies offer free seed catalogs to give the gardener the winter to decide what they would like to grow.
Once the garden is planned, order the seeds. Most seeds are not expensive. Sometimes heirloom varieties can cost more than regular seeds. Purchase peat pots or seed starter kits from your local do it yourself store. Begin this process in the winter as it may take about twelve weeks to have a good baby plant to move outside. Buy some potting soil and get the process started. Keep the seedlings inside until the danger of frost has passed.
Now that it is time to move the seedlings outside, look around the yard for a location for the garden. Typically herbs grow best in a well drained area that receives five to six hours of sunshine per day. Start with a small area and enlarge it each year. Before you know it, you will have a good size garden. Herbs are very easy to grow. They have lots of uses so they are practical and pretty.
Hire a rotavator or get your trusted spade out and cultivate the garden location. Mix in some compost into the soil. This adds a lot of added nutrients. There are so many perennial herbs to try like oregano, chives, mint, thyme, lavender, aloe vera or even rosemary.
Do not be afraid to try a few annual herb varieties also. The plant will die off in the end but not before dropping a bunch of seeds. Save the seeds. You can give them as gifts to friends, family and neighbours. You will have some for next season. You can even directly sow them for a great spring start.
Check out your hardiness zone. If you cannot find what zone you are on the internet, give a quick call to the local gardening centre they will give you the information you need. They will be able to tell you quickly. Select herb seeds that do well in your area. Do not pick subtropical herbs if you live in the north. Find ones that do well in your neck of the woods.
Perennial herb gardens are a wonderful way to experience a truly fantastic hobby. Gardening is relaxing and fun. There is no better way than to grow your own wonderful fresh herbs to use in your cooking. Making the garden is not difficult. The hard part will be selecting the varieties to begin with. Try some traditional herbs as well as a few exotic varieties. Be adventuresome. You and your family will be glad that you did.
What You Need To Know About Hydroponic Herb Growing
Hydroponic Herb Growing is one of the easiest ways of keeping fresh vegetation in your kitchen throughout the year. It requires minimal effort once it has been set up and it will save you tons of money in comparison to those expensive fresh goods you find at your local market.
Hydroponic herb growing is not a new concept. The fact is that it began thousands of years ago in the ancient gardens where they grew herbs for their healing powers. This concept evolved over the years and is now widely used by large companies as well as the everyday household.
Setting up your garden
There are many different ways in which you can set up your garden, but the important thing is that you have the basic set up tools. You will need to start out with a space to grow the herbs, two boxes or other containment areas one a bit smaller than the other, pvc piping, a medium in which to grow your plants, fertilizer, plants, and plenty of water.
You will need to drill some holes into the smaller of your two containment areas and set the small pan into the larger one. This will allow for root growth as the plants get larger. Cut small lengths of the piping into each of the holes and then cover them with your growth medium. If you don’t have access to the medium you can use such things as moss or pebbles in replacement, but the medium will offer the most sterile of growing environments.
Now you can mix up a solution of nutrient rich fertilizer and water. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that it is free of clumping. Pour all of it over the pan ensuring that it goes down into each of the holes and piping. Now you are ready to plant your herbs.
The plants will need to be carefully rinsed of any dirt that might have accumulated around the roots. Using a small dish pan and soaking the roots is the best way to prevent any harm to the delicate roots. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any water and gently set the plants down into the piping. Your garden now awaits your care.
Tips on caring for your garden
Once you are finished with the set up you will want to find a well lit area to set it in. Be sure not to put it near any heating vents as it requires a cooler environment in which to grow. If you have found your house to be too warm and dry you can purchase a cool air humidifier to set nearby. For additional lighting you can buy a plant light at your local home and garden center.
A garden can be a wonderful addition to any home, and hydroponic herb growing is the best way to maintain one directly in your home. It is a great way to add flavour to your home cooking and many of the herbs will add a fabulous smell throughout the house. It is an easy and inexpensive means for providing your family with those special touches that they deserve.
