The Beginner's Herb Garden: An Herb Society of America Guide

Cultivation & Propagation

Soil

Soil is the natural source of all the nutrients needed to sustain plant growth. There is a direct correlation between the quality of the soil and the health of the plant. A good loamy soil is a combination of clay, organic matter, silt and sand. It contains suitable quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash, as well as the trace elements necessary to promote good growth.

Many of the more common herbs are natives of the dry, sunny Mediterranean region and require the same gritty soil and excellent drainage. The pH factor of the soil is equally important. A soil too acid or too alkaline hampers vital nutrients from reaching the plant. Most herbs prefer an almost neutral soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The pH can be determined by a soil test, which may be done by a county agent or by the gardener himself with a simple soil testing kit. Agricultural lime should be added if the pH falls below 6.5. Sulfur should be added if the pH is higher than 7.3.

A heavy clay soil can be improved with the addition of coarse sand and organic matter in the form of compost, peat moss, leaf humus or well-aged animal manure such as chicken or cow. The importance of organic material cannot be overstressed. It gives the soil friability and is essential to seedlings and young plants. Its addition to loose, sandy soil has a binding affect that retards excessive percolation. If mixed into heavier soils, organic matter leaves pores in the soil as it decomposes, allowing more air to reach the roots of the plants. In areas with frequent rainfall, adding more gritty material such as sand or oyster shells will increase drainage. A good garden soil contains nearly 25% air and 25% water.

Testing Soil Drainage

1. Dig a hole in the garden about the size of a gallon jug.
2. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. As soon as the water has completely drained, immediately fill it again and keep track of how much time it takes to drain. If it takes more than 8 hours, you need to improve the drainage.

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