Planning a herb garden

Planning a herb garden

You need to plan your garden carefully before you can begin growing historic herbs. You need to identify potential problem areas and find practical solutions – just as the medieval monks did all those years ago.

Take a while to look at the place where you intend to site your garden and create a working plan.

We have put together some of the questions and factors you need to consider before you begin.

Windy gardens

Is the site exposed to strong winds or is it sheltered? If the site is windswept then a wall, fence or hedge needs to be installed to give shelter to your plants.

If you chose to plant a hedge remember that it will be several years before the hedge provides any shelter at all. An additional shelter belt will be need to be established until the hedge reaches maturity. You might want to try rustic fencing or windproof sheeting.

A herb hedge is an ideal surround to a herb garden and can be grown from rosemary, sage, or lavender. All these provide protection from the wind, a delicious scent and a useful crop.

Soil type

Have a dig around with a fork and see what the soil looks like. Is it "heavy' or "light'? Is it a heavy loam or is it chalky? Is the soil clay-based and waterlogged or is it sandy and well drained? Is it acid or alkaline?

You may want to get a soil testing kit from your local garden centre to get an idea what type of soil you have to deal with. Listen to local experts because they often know best what grows in your soil.

Space

Be realistic about what you can achieve. Do you have room for a number of Medieval raised beds or to create an elaborate Elizabethan-style knot garden? Will you need to fit your herbs into a smaller patch?

Obviously the size of a herb garden depends on available space, but it is as well to remember that herbs do spread as they become mature. A square foot should be allowed for each plant.

Food and water

Do you want an organic garden like the Medieval monks? Are you happy to use modern fertilisers, nitrates and other chemicals? Make these decisions early on and work with them aim in mind as you design your compost heaps and chemical stores.

How close are you to a water supply? Do you need to arrange for a garden tap to be plumbed in? What about building the herb garden around a pond or water feature?

Sweet smell of success

There are so many things to take into account as you design any new garden area but herbs will always repay considered thought. Take time to work through your ideas. Research your plans and ask for advice wherever possible. If you can create ideal growing conditions then you will reap handsome rewards from your aromatic and wholesome herb crop.

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