Creating a Summer Herb Garden

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, summer is the perfect time to plant a herb garden. Whether you have a large yard or just a small balcony, you can grow your own herbs with ease. Here’s how to start a successful herb garden this summer:

Choose the Right Herbs

Some herbs thrive in summer heat and are easy to grow in Christchurch’s climate. Consider planting:

  • Basil: A must-have for summer salads and pesto.
  • Mint: Perfect for refreshing summer drinks and desserts.
  • Oregano and Thyme: Great for Mediterranean cooking.
  • Coriander: Ideal for adding flavour to summer dishes.

Container Gardening

If space is limited, growing herbs in containers is a great option. Use large pots or hanging baskets, ensuring that they have good drainage. Position your containers in a sunny spot where the herbs can get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

Watering and Fertilizing

Herbs generally don’t require too much water, but make sure they’re consistently moist during hot weather. Avoid letting them dry out completely, as this can stunt their growth. Feed your herbs with a light, organic fertilizer once a month to keep them healthy.

Harvesting

Herbs should be harvested regularly to encourage fresh growth. Snip off the leaves just above the stems, and avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.

By starting your herb garden now, you’ll have a fresh supply of herbs to enjoy all summer long.