How do you grow herbs?

Grow herbs effectively by planting seedlings in a container or directly in the ground. Choose a sunny growing area, and give the plants at least 1 inch of water regularly for healthy growth.

1. Buy herb seedlings

   Buy small herb plants from a catalog, website or garden store. Although growing herbs from seed offers more variety, transplanting seedlings is faster since the plant is already started.

2. Choose a planting location

   Herbs can be grown inside or outside, in the ground or in containers. It's important to choose a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

3. Prepare for planting

   Prepare the ground for planting herbs by tilling or loosening the soil to remove clumps and aerate the soil. Mix a few inches of compost into the soil to improve drainage and add nutrients. Container-grown herbs need potting-mix-filled pots with drainage holes on the bottom to prevent soggy growing conditions.

4. Plant the herbs

   Plant herb plants approximately 18 inches apart, placing taller varieties, such as rosemary, toward the back of the planting area or container. Water the newly planted herbs thoroughly, and place container-grown herbs in a sunny spot.

5. Water the plants regularly

   Water the herbs regularly, giving them about 1 inch of water weekly. Harvest herbs once the plant becomes mature, taking no more than a third of the plant at once.