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If you like to maintain a kitchen garden, you would know the best herbs of all times grow in the summer season. From mint to lemon grass, most of the herbs thrive in the season. But since the weather is just too hot, you need to pay attention to the different requirements of each summer herb.
The questions like how much water would be just right or finding the right spot to let the plants grow with adequate sunlight can take up a lot of your time and energy. But to ensure that you give the herbs in your kitchen garden everything right, here are some tips that you can keep handy to help your plants thrive even in the high temperatures.
Picking The Herbs
The first tip is to be mindful while buying or plating herbs in your kitchen garden. While you might be tempted to pick your favourite herbs, you need to choose the ones that thrive in the summer season. Some of the herbs you can plant in the season are mint, basil, oregano, fennel, chilli, and cumin.
Pots Or Garden Beds?
While you might be confused between planting the herbs in pots versus in a soil bed, you would be pleased to know both work the same for summer herbs. There are just a few things you should note. For pots, ensure that they have drainage holes and don’t log the water. Also, choose ceramic pots over plastic ones to keep the soil cool. But if you have outdoor space, a garden bed would be better as it offers more control and is easier to manage.
Preparing The Soil
After you have decided between pots and garden pots, the next important step is to prep the soil before planting the herbs. Keep in mind that most summer herbs prefer well-drained soil that is composted to provide the herbs with all the essential nutrients. Also, before planting, ensure that the pH of the soil is between 6 to 7.
Water Regularly
Since you are planting in the hot summer season, watering the plants regularly is important. The soil should be a bit moist for the proper growth of the herbs. You can try to stick your finger in the soil, and if you feel that the top layer is a bit dry, you will know it’s time to water.
Use Fertilisers
Herbs, fruits, and vegetables need more fertilisers than other plants. To ensure that what you eat has the right balance of nutrients, fertilising is a step you cannot skip. So, don’t forget to add organic fertilisers or compost to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the plants.
Harvest Frequently
Don’t wait for your herbs to grow just a bit more. When you feel that the plant is getting dry leaves, clip the ends to maintain a bushier and healthier plant. While harvesting, prefer to do it early in the morning when the oils in the herbs are concentrated. Also, use a sharp pair of scissors to prevent the rest of the plant from decaying.
