Gardeners have discovered the numerous benefits of growing herbs in raised beds. It is one of the most satisfying garden projects you can undertake – they look and smell gorgeous in the garden, and it’s always a treat to eat something you’ve grown with your very own hands.
Raised garden beds are particularly useful for growing a variety of herbs, as they allow for optimal soil conditions and easier maintenance. Most herbs will do well in raised beds. Many herbs have a relatively shallow root system and are small to medium in size. Generally, a rectangular raised bed with good drainage is the best for growing herbs. Most herbs have relatively shallow root systems, so the raised beds do not have to be too deep. Small and medium-sized herbs will do best in an elevated raised bed or tiered raised bed. As for large herbs, their size can be controlled by pruning and harvesting regularly.
Additionally, with herbs so close at hand, it’s easy to provide fresh herbs for everything from creating delicious dinners to brewing your own cups of tea as well as crafting soothing or aromatic. Plus, most herbs grow easily in a variety of conditions, making them ideal for new gardeners.
Right Place and Size
Whether you live in a subdivision with a large backyard or an apartment with a balcony, herbs grow well just about anywhere that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. Full sun is necessary for most herbs to grow well. Don't despair if the only spots you have to grow are a bit shady, though. If you have a garden that receives less sun, choose herbs that don't need as much. Good choices include:mint,chives,parsley,cilantro and shiso. Check the plant tag for light requirements. You'll also want to have a water source nearby.
Like other plants, herbs can become stressed in windy or exposed sites. Growing herbs in beds near the house or next to other buildings or walls provides a warm, sheltering microclimate and increases a gardener's chances of success with tender perennials like rosemary. Even if you grow rosemary in containers and bring it indoors for the winter, it's still a good idea to set it out in a sunny, sheltered area.
Raised beds come in various types and designs. Some may work well in specific spaces, others might not, so it’s best to measure the area you’ll use before getting a raised bed. This goes especially if you’re buying raised beds online.
The height of a raised bed is important for drainage. The depth of a raised bed should be enough to accommodate at least 12 inches of soil below the bed. It works well and gives enough room for quality soil and proper root development.
Raised beds 8 to 12 inches in height are best for small herbs. For herbs that grow taller and prefer drier soils, we suggest going for taller raised beds and using a porous growing medium instead of ordinary garden soil.
Always be mindful of an herb’s full size before buying a raised bed. Many herbs do not grow too tall, but it’s essential to plan the arrangement well:
Basil: grows up to 12 inches in height
Cilantro: grows up to 18 inches in height
Chervil: grows 3 to 6 inches in height
Chives: grows up to 12 inches in height
Dill: grows up to 12 inches in height
Lavender: grows up to 18 inches in height
Lemon verbena: grows up to 36 inches in height
Mint: grows up to 18 inches in height
Soil and Drainage
Once you’ve picked the perfect spot and size for your raised bed, it’s time to prepare the soil. Good soil is essential for healthy plant growth.
If you can offer rich, well-draining soil in a sunny space free from competing trees and shrubs, planting an herb garden in the ground should work beautifully. However, if your soil is less than ideal, a raised bed garden is an excellent alternative. Fill it with Soil, which is just the right texture and weight for that kind of growing space.
Most herbs thrive in typical garden soil, so don’t use regular garden soil because it absorbs too much water and is quite heavy. No matter how durable the raised bed is, it could give way with excess weight. Use a potting mix or porous growing medium instead of garden soil. Amend the soil with organic compost only when needed.
Some herbs, such as rosemary, lavender and bay, are woody plants native to the Mediterranean. These herbs prefer gritty, sharply drained soil. Good drainage is crucial because the roots of Mediterranean natives are likely to rot in moist soil. If your garden soil is heavy, grow these herbs in raised beds or planters.
For most herbs, start with a mix of topsoil, compost, and peat moss, which provides a fertile growing environment. A 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% peat moss mix works well.
Make sure to ensure that you have proper drainage since herbs generally do not thrive in waterlogged soil. If needed, add a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom of the bed to promote better drainage (this is especially important for Mediterranean herbs). In addition, make sure the raised bed is level so that water evenly distributes throughout the bed.
By following these guidelines, your raised herb garden is off to a great start. With quality soil, good drainage, and plenty of sunshine, you can expect a bountiful harvest of flavorful herbs that will enhance any dish you create.
Pick Your Herb Varieties for Raised Beds
There are many varieties to choose from. Make a list of the flavors you enjoy, as well as what you'd like to do with your herbs. If cooking is your hobby, add herbs that make up classic culinary collections. Love making crafts? Add lavender to your herb garden to dry for sachets and wreaths. Of course, your fur babies will adore you for growing catnip and pet grass. In all, we will look at perennial herbs, annual herbs, culinary herbs, and Mediterranean herbs.
Perennial Herbs
Perennial herbs come back year after year, which makes them a great investment for any raised bed. Some of my favorite perennial herb plants include: Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Chives and Lavender.
These herbaceous plants have shallow roots, allowing them to thrive in raised beds. They require little maintenance and provide fresh herbs for several years.
Annual Herbs
Unlike perennial herbs, annual herbs grow for just one season, and you will need to replant them every year. Some popular annual herbs include: Basil, Cilantro, Dill and Parsley.
Though they require planting each year, annual herbs offer a fresh variety each season, and they are some of the easiest herbs to grow in raised beds.
Culinary Herbs
As someone who enjoys cooking, I can’t imagine a raised bed without culinary herbs. These herbs deliver the best results in terms of freshness and flavor. Here are some culinary herbs that I love to grow:
|
Fresh Herb |
Use |
|
Basil |
Pesto, tomato dishes, and salads |
|
Rosemary |
Roasts, soups, potatoes, and Mediterranean dishes |
|
Parsley |
Garnishes, sauces, and soups |
|
Cilantro |
Mexican and Asian dishes, salsas, and salads |
|
Dill |
Fish dishes, pickles, and salad dressings |
By growing these herbs, You can easily enhance your dishes while enjoying the convenience of having them right in the garden.
Mediterranean Herbs
Mediterranean herbs are a group of herbs originating from the Mediterranean region, and they typically prefer well-drained soil, which makes them perfect for raised beds. Some of my favorite Mediterranean herbs include: Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano and Sage.
These herbs are both beautiful and functional plants to position near the edges of your raised bed, where they can enjoy the sun and warmth they need to grow. They also make for killer broths packed full of nutrients for cold and flu season.