Kathy's Gardening Guide

Posted

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

HERB AND VEGETABLE GARDENS:
Start your herb garden today!
Most herbs grow easily, especially in a variety of conditions … perfect for any novice gardener. When planting herbs and vegetables in zone 9A, we need to keep in mind that the best plantings will be hot-weather plants. Spring is the best time to start these plantings.

Planting in this zone requires well-drained soil and will rot if it becomes too soggy. A good rule to follow is to water when the first two inches of soil feel dry. If you see wilting, the plant is too dry, and needs water immediately. Most herbs will grow, so don’t overcrowd them in your garden. Generally, these plants need 6-8 hours of sun per day to thrive. Some popular herbs in this zone include basil, oregano, dill, parsley, rosemary, mint and thyme.

Northeast Florida is considered a year-round planting area for vegetables. This means there are a variety of vegetables throughout the year to continuously plant and harvest. Peppers, beans, lettuce, squash, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes are popular vegetables to plant in this zone. An adequate amount of six hours of sunlight, water and compost or organic matter are crucial in the success of your vegetable garden.

Why not start your herb garden in a favorite pot or container?
Herb and vegetable gardens can be created into your landscaping, or in pots or boxes on patios or window sills. Feel free to get creative, as long as all other criteria are reached. Tending to an herb and vegetable garden often can aid in the growth of the plants, and eventually the overall taste when harvested!

How deep does an herb planter need to be?
Eighteen inches is the standard. When selecting your pot for planting herbs, such as parsley or basil, you’ll want to ensure the pot or container is at least eighteen inches deep … be sure to place some mulch or something similar in the bottom of the container before placing potting soil to ensure your plants have adequate drainage.

When you purchase your herb plants in nursery pots from a garden center or nursery, you should at least plant them into new pots double the size of its nursery container. Be sure to read the plant tag for requirements for light. You’ll also need a water source nearby for easy access.

Follow these quick steps to get started today:
■ Select herb pots that have good drainage holes
■ Choose the right size pot for your herb plants
■ Choose the right materials for your herb pots
Happy planting!

Flower of the Week: Salvia

Email Kathy at kathys.creative.gardens@gmail.com for any
questions or gardening tips you would like to see in the future.

Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery is located at 196 N. Roscoe Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. (904) 655-7373