Mom’s Money

Plant An Herb Garden And Save Money

Have you seen the prices of herbs lately?  Fresh or dried, it doesn’t matter.  They are all very expensive.  And, if you’re like the typical family these days, you’re watching every penny.  But, like me, you like to cook.  Homemade meals are a top priority in your family because meals you make at home are budget-friendly and nutritious.  So, what is a mother to do when it comes to cooking with herbs?  You don’t want to give them up and serve bland meals, but what’s the alternative to buying expensive herbs?

Why, of course, you can start your very own little herb garden.  If you live in the country and have a nice little patch of garden, you’ve got one of the basics already handled; a place.  If you live in the city you may only have a corner of a patio or balcony to set up a container garden.  Either way, some decisions about any garden are the same.  You have to decide what to plant.

Consider the herbs you use routinely.  Do you often use sage or rosemary?  How about thyme?  You may want to include dill if you cook a lot of fish or eat big, fresh salads regularly.  Cilantro is a favorite for many people, as well as chives and mint.  Take a trip to your friendly neighborhood garden center and look over all the seed packets and starter plants.  Talk to the folks that work there to get valuable information you’ll need to make your decisions about what to plant.  Explain your garden setting, including sun exposure and size, and let the professionals help you plan your garden.  That’s what they are there to do.  

When planting your herb garden be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully for planting each herb.  Arrange your herb garden so that you are planting herbs together that require similiar care.  This makes watering and fertilizing easier.  You’ll need to be sure to keep your annuals separate from your perennials so that you won’t be tilling the soil right over the top of next year’s crop.  Some herbs, like mint, spread like the dickens!  Consider containing plants that spread in a separate clay pot, burying in the garden if you like. 

Planting an herb garden on a balcony or patio requires some special attention.  Watering and sunlight must be monitored carefully.  Yes, it may seem like a bit more work, but the benefits of having the herbs right along the house are worth the work.  A bonus is the aroma that wafts through the air every time you open the door to your patio. 

Once you get a few herbs established in your garden, you’ll be delighted with not only the availability of fresh herbs, but the beauty!  Herbs are quite lovely and fragrant.  Do your research and have a little fun getting your hands dirty.  Don’t forget to include the kids!  Herb gardens are an excellent way to get the youngsters involved in a gardening project that is just their size.  Have fun and enjoy your new hobby!