Ever wondered how to start an herb garden? It’s a lot easier than you may think! I was done with buying herbs, only to use some and throw the rest away. So my roommate, Alex, and I went on a bit of an adventure and planted this garden. (Yes we should’ve gotten manicures before these photos, but hey we’re gardeners now…)
Step 1) Find out what herbs are in season (from Google or ask at the Farmer’s Market), then buy the ones that interest you and that you plan to use. You can buy them from a nursery or a local Farmer’s Market.
It is winter now and in Louisiana it doesn’t get too cold. We planted Rosemary, Thyme, and Mint, which were recommended by the vendor at the Farmer’s Market.
Step 2) Buy something to place them in. I wanted something rustic, but cute and I found exactly what I needed at Hobby Lobby. You need it to be big enough to fit your plants and for them to grow. Also think about where this will fit outside where it will get sufficient sunlight.
Step 3) Buy soil. I got this potting mix below! You need enough to fill the bottom of your container. I needed 2 bags!
Step 4) See First Picture above. Lay your soil into your chosen container. Surround each herb pot with soil to make an imprint for where the plant will be planted. Use a pitcher and wet the soil around your plastic pot to harden the soil.
Step 5) Remove your plastic pot with the herb in it, and there will be a hole in your soil. Break the plastic pot and place the plant into the hole. Pictured below. 
Step 6) Place your plant into the hole and pat the soil, filling any empty space between the plant and surrounding soil.
Step 7) Water your plant each day, feeding it every week or two with plant food. I use the plant food below.
Step 8) Cut the herbs and use it to make delicious meals, like My Lemon Rosemary Chicken (pictured below!)
Dana says
Hey Monica!
Love this post. I plan on starting an herb garden as soon as it warms up a little by me (in DC!) and will definitely use these tips! I also just listened to your podcast with Maddie Moon on Mind Body Musings, and it was amazing! I’ve been following your blog for a while but never knew your whole story. So inspiring! I really admire that you want to go to medical school too. I just did a complete career change this year after studying politics and government through school and working in it for two years – now I’m a health coach and going for my masters in clinical nutrition! Keep it up girl!
Monica Bravo says
Hey Dana! Maddie is awesome, I’m so happy she had me on her podcast! And happy you enjoyed it : ) Thanks for commenting. It sounds like you’re following your true passion. That’s great! Email me to collaborate some time! I like your blog! : )
Monica
Irene says
Hi Monica! This is a great post. I’ve been wanting to grow my own herb garden for a long time now but I never knew where to start. I gave it a try last year and though I got some nice plants to grow I moved a couple of months later and my herbs just die. I will try again once the weather gets warmer 🙂
Also, great blog! I’ve been following you for a while now but never commented. I really like your attitude and enjoy reading your life updates and recipes. Your banana pancakes are great yet so simple. One of my favourite and easiest breakfasts 🙂
Monica Bravo says
Hey Irene!
Thank you for commenting. I hope your herbs work out. We used ours on potatoes yesterday and it was delicious! And I’m so happy you enjoy the blog, I will make sure to check out yours as well.