Let’s start with the basics. We’ll cover the merits of indoor and outdoor herb gardens, whether plants or seeds are best for beginners, and the optimal time of year to start your garden.
Indoor vs. outdoor herb garden
Indoor and outdoor herb gardens are both great for novice gardeners — what it really comes down to is how much space you have. Apartment dwellers and those with balconies are going to focus on indoor gardening, while folks with backyards have the luxury to pick and choose.
Advantages of an indoor herb garden
- Easy access
- Fresh herbs all year round
- Great for folks who love houseplants
- No weeding required
Advantages of an outdoor herb garden
- Higher yield
- Easier for herbs to get the amount of sun they require
- More flavorful
Plants vs. seeds for an herb garden
Whether you choose plants or seeds depends on how much effort you want to put in, and how many herbs you plan to grow.
Plants
Plants, also called transplants, are a good choice for people who only want to grow a few herbs, or folks who don’t want to wait weeks while their seeds sprout. Transplants are garden-ready, take minimal effort to start, and grow quickly.
Seeds
Seeds are a bit more time consuming to grow, but they’re an inexpensive way to get a ton of herbs if you have a lot of space to devote to your herb garden. Seed mixes are a boon for people with limited space because you can grab specialized blends that contain all the herbs you need to grow fresh herbs for your favorite dishes.
The best soil for indoor and outdoor herb gardens
Dirt matters! Herbs require well-draining soil, lest their roots become bogged down by too much water. The best soil for indoor and outdoor gardens needs to have a good mix of peat moss, coco coir, or microorganisms to help plants get the nutrients they need, give their roots room to breathe, and maintain a healthy amount of water. Adding a bit of homemade compost to any type of soil can add an extra boost of nutrients that’ll help your herbs grow big ‘n’ strong.