Pre-Planted Herb Gardens

Herb Gardens

Many people love the idea of having an herb garden but they either don’t have the area to plant one or think that it will take too much time. There is also the misconception that herbs are difficult to tend to and require a lot of time and attention in order to thrive. While it is true that most plants to require time and attention, herbs usually don’t require any more care than most other house plants.

Planning and creating an outdoor herb garden can be a costly undertaking. These types of gardens are lovely and functional, but the average herb hobbyist doesn’t have the acreage required for this project or they may be afraid they’ll kill all of the plants. A great alternative is to start with a pre-planted herb garden. This is a cost-effective way to learn about a variety of herbs and what type of care they need before investing in an outdoor herb garden.

Types of Pre-Planted Herb Gardens

Herbs are great plants to have around the home whether you use them as decorations or eat them in foods prepared in your kitchen. Since people use pre-planted herb gardens for various purposes, it is important to decide which camp you fall in. Will you be cooking with them, or would you prefer to enjoy them in the window as a houseplant?

For the Chef

Most herbs used for cooking are not flowering varieties because they will be picked frequently. A cook will want a variety of pre-planted herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil. Herbs are easy to care for and require little attention other than sunlight and fresh water. Herbs that are used in cooking should not be fertilized with chemicals.

For the Plant Lover

Someone who wants to enjoy a flowering herb garden may want to choose lavender, bee balm and purple coneflower. These beautiful herbs look great in any window and are easy to care for. If you are not using the plants for cooking, they may be fertilized occasionally with MiracleGro or other commercial fertilizer. As long as these plants are given the right amount of water and sunlight they will do beautifully in your home. They’ll provide colorful blooms and, depending upon the plant, a subtle fragrance too.

An occasional pruning will keep the herbs in tip-top condition and ensure they don’t outgrow their pots.

Buying Pre-Planted Herbs

Finding pre-planted herbs is as easy as making a trip to your local retail store or gardening center. Spring is the best time to find a wide-selection of these herb gardens. The selection of available herbs will vary, depending upon where you live. It is important to remember that having an indoor herb garden doesn’t guarantee ideal climate conditions for your plant. For example, if you live in a cold northern climate, herb plants may die in your window, even if your house is warm. Therefore, choose your plants carefully to ensure longevity.

The following online retailers sell wonderful herb gardens for the indoor herbalist:

• Gardini
• Savory Chef Herbs
• Aero Garden

Pre-planted herb gardens can also be purchased at local nurseries and at the many herbal plant fundraisers that some organizations hold in the spring.

Growing herbs is a great hobby for adults and children alike. They can be used to beautify the home or as a fresh alternative to dried spices in the kitchen. Which ever your purpose may be, growing herbs is a fun and inexpensive hobby that can be enjoyed by all.