Tips to Grow and Care for a Herb Garden in Coastal Areas
Living on the coast can be pretty amazing with the beauty of the ocean, the sounds of the waves, and the slow rustling sound of the sea (water) as it slowley moves towards the shoreline and then recedes to the ocean. For many, this is a dream come true, and to add to that beauty is connecting with nature through gardening. Growing an herb garden that thrives in coastal areas is possible and pretty cool because you get to harvest and enjoy fresh herbs right from your very own garden as you prepare some of your favorite dishes.
From my experience, homegrown herbs are a win-win because you have the advantage of the growth and the care of your herb, growing your homegrown herbs means having an almost endless supply at your fingertips, eating fresh and you can also extend the season.
If you’re living in a coastal area and desire to install an herb garden look no further, you have come to the right place that will equip you with the know-how of how to install and care for a herb garden that thrives.
Steps to Grow Herbs In Coastal Areas
There are 3 Methods of Growing herbs
- Planting directly in the ground
- Container gardening
- Raised beds
1. Growing Herbs Inground
When planting herbs in the ground the first step is cultivating the soil with compost or a good organic soil mix. Be generous with these mixtures because sandy soils cannot retain moisture and fertilizers. If you’re planting herbs from seeds the planting instructions should be on the back of the package if from seedlings your nurseryman can provide growth and care planting instructions.
2. Growing Herbs in a Raised Bed Garden
Raise beds are a popular way to a garden, these gardens are great because they are not only manageable but no matter the soil type you can grow whatever you desire just by the way these beds are constructed. Raised bed gardens can be simply built or purchased, these gardens can be as big as you desire or even middle size too small. A very easy way to go about this is to just simply cut a large storage container in half followed by drilling a few (6-8) holes in the bottom for water drainage add good garden soil and you are done
A large square plastic container can be used, just simply drill a few holes in the bottom of your container/containers add the soil and you are done, with a raised bed garden you have the advantage of also installing vegetables, bedding plants, bromeliads, and ornamental plants. Raise bed gardens are also great for small spaces remember these gardens can be any size.
when the weather becomes unfavorable either cover your herbs with a sheet or with the help of a trolley and extra hands the container can be moved to a more secure area away from the salt spray and then return once the weather becomes favorable again. Under light windy conditions the beds can remain just remember to wash the soil from your herbs.
These gardens once properly installed and according to the make or style can add value to your property these garden types are a great investement. Other examples of raised bed gardens are images 1 and 2 that is at the right. Even a plastic wheelbarrow with a few holes drilled into the bottom and then filled with soil can act as a raised bed garden. And with a wheelbarrow, it’s easy to move around if the need arises.
3. Growing Herbs in Containers
Container Gardening- Container gardening is pretty amazing because plant pots can always be moved to a safer area when coastline winds are really strong and the air is filled with salt and return when conditions are favorable again or you can cover your containers for protection.
Container gardening also allows you to grow herbs right on your kitchen countertop. To learn more about growing indoor plants follow this link, indoor edible plants.
Tips for herb care
- Install your veggie garden in full sunlight.
- Providing fertilizer is an added benefit. Slow, Quick, and Organic Fertilizers.
- Adequate water is a must to keep your herbs happy.
- Keep an eye out for insects and treat them for control, only use organic pesticides or pesticides that are formulated for edible food crops.
Some Herbs for Your Seaside Garden
Here are some herbs to get you started just refer to the planting herb instructions.
Benefits of Herbs
For more on herbs, and health facts refer to. Garden herbs that contain healing wonders.
Additional information
- To keep your herbs growing fluffy routinely pinch or nip 2-3 inches of the stem tips. This pinching will encourage new growth and branching. If your desire is for more leaves then pinch away blossoms that develop.
- While some perennials like thyme spread by runners, other herbs for example chives produces clumps, both spreading varaities can be dug up and divided during early spring to produce new plants.
- Woody herbs like rosemary can be propagated from cuttings, Cuttings of less woody herbs for example mint, oregano, or basil will also grow roots quickly
- The previous year withered stems should be removed because the stems seem to get lanky and woody, this procedure should be done before new growth starts in the spring. Cutting them back by a third or even 3 cm from the ground will encourage a fuller and compact plant.
- Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your herbs to suppress weeds and retain moisture, however, avoid allowing mulches to come in contact with the plant’s crown or any plant parts which can lead to rot because of the buildup or constant moisture.
- When watering your herb garden allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering because too much moisture will lead to root rot, when watering your herbs apply water to the root zone to a depth of about 6 inches. The use of drip irrigation or a soaker hose has proven to be effective.
- Annual herb seeds should be planted every 2-3 weeks to provide constant harvest during the summer months.
The final word
The growth and the care of herbs in coastal areas are that simple all it takes is some know-how and you will be on your way. So let’s get started on that herb garden and spruce up your favorite dishes that will keep your family and friends coming back as you ride the waves of seaside garden success.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.