00:00We have a secret tip to help you produce a healthy and thriving herb garden.
00:05That secret is companion planting.
00:08Strategically placing different plants together will allow you to take advantage of their beneficial relationships with other plants.
00:14Whether that is to help discourage pests, encourage beneficial insects, or even prevent a change to the flavor of nearby
00:21herbs or vegetables.
00:23And, most importantly, you can provide the same care to plants with the same needs.
00:28The team at Gardening Know How is here to offer you our sage advice, pun intended, to companion planting your
00:36herb garden.
00:37First, let's start with the basics, light, soil, and water.
00:41Planting herbs and other edibles with similar light, soil, and water requirements will optimize the health and productivity of your
00:48herb garden.
00:49Most herbs do prefer to be planted in full sun, although there are a few different varieties that are shade
00:54tolerant.
00:55Some herbs such as parsley, mint, chives, and lemon balm can tolerate both sun and part shade.
01:02Whether you are planting your herbs in the ground or in a container, choosing the right kind of soil is
01:07the first step to a healthy herb garden.
01:09When planting herbs, you want to avoid wet, soggy soil with poor drainage.
01:14In containers, be sure to choose a high-quality potting mix that is rich in nutrients.
01:19It is always recommended to amend your soil, whether in the ground or in containers, with compost to both improve
01:26drainage and increase its organic matter.
01:28For additional information on improving the quality of your soil, see the link in the description to our 5 quick
01:34tips to boost your soil's health.
01:37As with all plants, water is an essential part of the growing process.
01:40You will want to keep your herbs well watered throughout the growing season.
01:44Containers often dry out faster than in-ground plantings, so they may require a bit more care.
01:50On the other hand, you will also want to be careful not to overwater them, as this can lead to
01:55root rot.
01:56Plus, some herbs prefer soil on the drier side, but we will talk more about that later.
02:00A few applications of fertilizer would also be beneficial to provide needed nutrients during the growing season.
02:07You could choose between an organic, slow-release, granular formula, a water-soluble option, or even a fertilizer specific to
02:15tomatoes.
02:15You can fertilize every few weeks, just do not over-fertilize during each application.
02:21If you are limited on space, have poor soil, or if you want to keep your herbs close at hand
02:26for quick use in the kitchen,
02:28most herbs are well-suited for growing in containers, and can exist just about anywhere if given the proper light
02:34and water.
02:35When it comes to choosing containers for your herbs, it is important to pick pots that are the right size
02:40for the plant.
02:41If mixing a combination of herbs into one pot, of course you'll need more space,
02:45but individually planted herbs such as thyme or chives would do well in smaller pots.
02:50Clay, plastic, wood, or metal are all acceptable, but the porous nature of clay allows the planters to dry quicker,
02:57especially when over-watered.
02:59Be sure to choose planters with large drainage holes.
03:02If you aren't using a traditional-style container, be sure to poke some holes into the bottom for drainage.
03:08When planting herbs together in one pot, be careful not to overcrowd the plants and choose herbs with similar growing
03:14requirements.
03:15One such planter that is popular with herb growers is the strawberry pot.
03:20They are often made of terracotta and may include many openings around the sides for your smaller herbs with a
03:25large hole at the top for larger plants.
03:28A few good choices for this kind of pot would be cascading herbs such as oregano, thyme, or marjoram,
03:34adding upright growers such as basil, rosemary, parsley, or chives at the top.
03:38The next step on your companion herb garden journey is deciding between sowing seeds or purchasing already established potted herbs.
03:46If growing from seed, you'll not only be able to choose from a wider assortment of varieties,
03:51but you'll be able to witness the entire life cycle of the plant, from tiny seed to mature herb.
03:56On the other hand, potted herb plants from your local garden center will provide convenience and a head start in
04:02the growing process.
04:03It saves time and effort, especially for those new to gardening or with limited space.
04:07Plus, it will allow you to enjoy the benefits of herbs sooner.
04:11Several herbs are known for their ease of growing from seed,
04:14making them ideal choices for novice gardeners or those who prefer starting from scratch.
04:18These herbs are adaptable and can thrive in various growing conditions, including containers or garden beds.
04:25Not all herbs thrive in the same conditions.
04:28Some herbs prefer dry soil, some moist soil, and some grow too tall or too big to be paired with
04:33other varieties.
04:34Plus, others may be considered invasive and take over in the same area.
04:39So, when growing herbs in the same raised bed or patio pot, it is best to group plants with the
04:45same requirements or growth rate.
04:47One example of a combination pot that would work well would be to combine the Mediterranean herbs.
04:52You'll never lack on flavor with this mix of easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant herbs.
04:56Some of these herbs can get rather woody and large with time.
05:00If growing in a container, you may want to consider transplanting them into the garden when they become too big.
05:05There are also other herbs that enjoy a similar sunny spot but with a bit more moisture.
05:11Basically, you should consider mixing herbs with similar irrigation needs.
05:15For an area with a bit more shade, say around 3-6 hours of sun per day, the following herbs
05:21are your best bet.
05:22Shade-tolerant herbs may grow tall and lanky as they reach for the sun.
05:26However, you can encourage bushier plants by pinching them back as they put on new growth.
05:33Mint can tolerate both full sun and light shade in soil that is dry to moist.
05:38It can grow just about anywhere, but it comes with a warning.
05:41Mint is extremely aggressive and should never be planted in the ground.
05:45Always plant it in containers.
05:47Also, different types of mint, including spearmint or lemon mint, may cross-pollinate, changing the flavor of each type.
05:53So plant each variety separately.
05:55Now this doesn't mean we don't still love mint.
05:58Try this container recipe to add flavor to your favorite summertime drink.
06:04Now let's switch gears and take a look at some of the most common herbs and their perfect matches.
06:09Basil not only repels insects, but it's a must to combine with tomatoes.
06:15Chives are a great partner with most other herbs and veggies as they attract pollinators and repel aphids.
06:21Cilantro deters mites and aphids in the garden.
06:25Pair it with beans or peas for a nitrogen boost to the plant.
06:29The blooms on sage attracts much-needed pollinators while repelling such insects as slugs on strawberries.
06:37Rosemary is one of the few herbs that doesn't get along well with others.
06:40However, it is a great companion with broccoli, beans, peppers, and cabbage as it helps to ward off insects.
06:47Another favorite herb, dill, attracts a flurry of beneficial insects while also deterring pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and
06:54spider mites.
06:55Try these additional kitchen themed gardens that combine both veggies and herbs.
07:01Pick a peck of pickled cucumbers with this container filled with ingredients to make these briny snacks.
07:08Prepare your perfect pie with fresh Italian flavors such as tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
07:14Kick your dinner up a notch with incredible flavor combinations inspired by American and Mexican cuisine.
07:21For a full listing of compatible herbs, see the link in the description of this video.
07:26Finally, don't be afraid to harvest your herbs regularly.
07:30Consistent harvesting will keep the plants from getting too big and too unruly, but it will also help to encourage
07:36new growth.
07:36To create a constant supply of fresh herbs, many varieties are easily propagated by stem cuttings.
07:42Just snip a section that is 3-4 inches long right above a leaf node.
07:47Make sure the cuttings are from a piece that is not yet flowered.
07:51Then, remove the lower leaves and place the stem in a glass of fresh water in a bright location.
07:56Change the water every few days until you see root growth. This may take 2-4 weeks.
08:02Plant your new cutting into soil once the roots reach about 2 inches long or more.
08:07Now that you know how to grow and propagate your favorite herbs, you'll never need to be without fresh herbs
08:12again.
08:15Oh, look at the time. I think we're near the end.
08:17I hope I provided you with some encouragement to grow a companion herb garden of your very own.
08:23Remember, when it comes to companion planting, it's all about herbally ever after.
08:28Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more helpful tips on gardening and visit our website at gardeningknowhow.com.
08:35Our website is a pretty big deal.
08:37Thanks for watching and happy gardening!
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