Benefits of Having Your Own Herb Garden

So, you’re not sure if you want to grow your own herbs?  There are many benefits to having your own herb garden.  You’ll quickly learn just how great it is to grow your own herbs once you start reaping the rewards of your harvest.  Most people who grow a few herbs never want to stop, and their herb gardens only seem to expand every year!

Herbs have become a necessity in cooking!  I can’t imagine trying to make a meal without garlic, or thyme, or basil, or even cilantro!  If your family has been complaining that your cooking is becoming boring, try adding some fresh herbs to your food!  Once your family has tried spaghetti made with fresh basil, they may never want the stuff in a jar again!

One major benefit of growing your own herbs is saving money.  Fresh herbs can be ridiculously expensive, with a single small container of fresh herbs sometimes costing $3 to $5 in many supermarkets! 

For just a dollar or so, you can buy a big packet of seeds that can grow many plants and can keep producing for quite a while.  Even when you factor in costs such as tools, fertilizer, and other garden expenses, you should still save a great deal of money if you use fresh herbs often.

Herb gardening is also very relaxing.  Many people find that it really helps them reduce stress and unwind.  All types of gardening can relieve stress, but herb gardening combines the stress-relieving effects of gardening with the natural stress-relief of aromatherapy! 

Most herbs are very easy to grow.  A lot of herbs will grow almost anywhere and require very little maintenance.  Herbs can be grown in almost any garden location, and even in containers where they can be moved around at will.  The fact that herbs can easily be located almost anywhere makes them a very good subject for most gardeners.

Herbs can be used as part of your landscape design, as well.  Because they are generally very attractive, they look perfectly at home in their own garden, tucked among flowers, or even used as ornamental plants along walkways, by porches or steps, or anywhere you need a bit of an accent.

Fresh herbs are also a very good source of additional nutritional value.  Sure, they taste great and can make a wonderful garnish for all sorts of dishes, but they’re also good for you!  Some herbs contain decent levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Fresh herbs are very good for adding that extra bit of nutrition to your meals.

An attractive herb garden can also increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it.  A lot of people have always wanted to have their own garden and having a lovely herb garden waiting for them could be a big selling point.  

Growing your own herbs will also mean you can get varieties that you can’t find locally.  Most people are able to find fresh chives and standard basil locally, but can you find garlic chives, purple basil, or fresh chervil in your local grocery store?  Most people can’t, and the only way they can experience these exotic herbs is to grow them.

Plus, growing herbs can also make you more popular.  A lot of people really love fresh herbs, and if you neighbors hear you’re growing them, they might stop by and ask for some!  Your friends and family will be delighted to be given fresh herbs as a gift, and they’ll be wanting to hang around you for more handouts as often as they can!

Whether you live in an apartment or a mansion you can have your own herb garden!  An indoor herb garden also known as a kitchen herb garden was a necessity when I lived in Kansas, but you can grow herbs in pots known as a container garden and of course obviously in a bed outside.

Next I’ll give you some tips to get started!