Grow your own herbs for the tastiest experience

Do you enjoy fresh basil in your pasta? What about fresh cilantro in your guacamole? I know I do. So why not grow your own herbs instead of purchasing them from the store?

Many herbs do well in the South. Some are annuals, while others are perennials. They can be grown indoors, in gardens or in raised beds and containers. Mine are growing in a whiskey barrel.

If you grow herbs indoors you need to provide them with 4-6 hours of light a day. A south-facing window usually works well. They will also need to be rotated on occasion to ensure all sides receive light. Indoor plants will not produce as much foliage as outdoor plants. Herbs also do well in a variety of containers as long as their light, water and fertility needs are met. The container chosen should have drainage holes to prevent standing water and root rot. Plants in containers have a tendency to dry out quicker than ground plantings and must be watered often.

Of course you can plant your herbs in an in-ground garden or raised bed. If you plant in an in-ground garden, work the soil about a foot in depth tilling and adding organic matter. Raised beds are often used because they provide good drainage and warm soil temperatures. They are also an option if you have poor soils. Mulching is encouraged in herb gardens to help retain moisture and weed control.

Herbs, like many of our garden plants, prefer well-drained soil. Most herbs do well in soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. Most herbs like full sun, but others prefer semi-shade. Please refer to the plant label for planting instructions.

Many herbs can be started from seed, especially annuals. Seeds are most successful if you start them indoors in late winter to grow them into transplants, but can also be directly sowed into the ground in the spring. If herbs are allowed to go to seed, the seeds can be collected when they have reached maturity. Some herbs can be propagated through cuttings. These herbs include lavender, rosemary, scented geraniums and lemon balm. Clumping herbs with fibrous roots can be divided.

Besides planting them in the vegetable garden, herbs can be used throughout the landscape. Planting herbs in a pot in your landscape provides an attractive focal point. Many herbs bloom and can offer a variety of colors and textures to your landscape.

Herbs are generally resistant to most insect pest and disease. Since the foliage is used throughout the season, chemical sprays and dusts should not be used. Many pests can simply be washed away with a stream of water.

Herb foliage can be harvested at any time, but the essential oil concentration is at its highest right before bloom. It is best to collect your herbs in the morning, rinse them off and let them air dry. They also can be preserved by drying or freezing. Please contact Family and Consumer Science Agent La Keshia Levi for more information on preservation.

This story was originally published May 15, 2016 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Grow your own herbs for the tastiest experience."