Growing herbs in Coastal areas
In previous articles, we have looked at installing a flower garden and a veggie garden in coastal areas. However, in this article, we will be looking at how to install a herb garden in coastal areas with much garden success.
The unique thing about planting herbs in coastal areas is that the same principle applies as with the flower and veggie gardens except with a slight twist.
Living on the coast as I have mentioned in previous articles can be pretty amazing with all the beauty that it has to offer. For many, this is a dream come true.
And to add to that beauty is connecting with nature through the many garden designs.
Growing a herb garden on the coastline
Growing a herb garden on the coastline is pretty cool because you get to harvest and enjoy fresh herbs right from your very own garden as you prepare those delicious meals.
Gardening methods
There are three methods that can be used when installing herbs.
1. Planting directly in the ground.
2. Raised beds.
3. Container gardening.
Planting tips
A. Planting in the ground-When planting herbs in the ground, first cultivate the soil with compost or a good organic soil mix. Be generous with these mixtures because sandy soils cannot retain water and fertilizers.
Secondly, allow the soil to sit for a week before planting, also each day water planting area, this will ensure that the salt that is in the soil will leech away from the zone where plant roots must run.
After this assignment is completed you are now ready to install your herbs.
Making a hedge around your garden with salt-tolerant plants can offer much help, installing a fence cannot only act as a windbreaker but can also protect your herbs against salt.
B. Raise beds-Raise beds are a great way to install your herb garden above ground level while providing them with compost or organic soil mix. The beauty of this method is that you can always cover your plants when winds are high with all that salt.
Also, use a garden hose, and with freshwater give your plants a shower so that salt can wash off.
Making a hedge around your raised bed with salt-tolerant plants can offer much help, installing a fence cannot only act as a windbreaker but can also protect your herbs against salt.
C. Container Gardening-Container gardening is pretty amazing because plant pots can always be moved to a more safe area when coastline winds are really strong and the air is filled with salt and return when everything is normal again or you can cover them for protection.
Container gardening also allows you to grow herbs right on your kitchen counter. To learn more about growing indoor plants follow this link, indoor edible plants.
Tips for herb care
1. Install your veggie garden in full sunlight.
2. Providing fertilizer is an added benefit. Slow, Quick, and Organic Fertilizers.
3. Adequate water is a must to keep your herbs happy.
4. Keep an eye out for insects.
control methods, organic insecticides.
Herbs to plant
Here are some herbs to get you started just follow this link on planting herb instructions.
Herb health facts
For more on herbs, health facts follow this link. Garden herbs that contain healing wonders.
The final word
Growing herbs in coastal areas are easy as 1, 2, 3 all it takes is some know-how and you will be on your way. So let’s get started on that herb garden and spruce up your meals that will keep your family and friends coming back for more as you ride the waves of seaside garden success.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Wow Norman, I had no idea that the rules are slightly different for planting by the sea side! Can you use seaweed to cover your garden beds during the off season? Are there a lot of pests to be concerned about with being close to the ocean?
Very good to know! I had always thought the salt from the ocean would make it nearly impossible to grow seaside. You’ve provided some very good advice here. Do you know if there’s a solution you can put with plants to decrease or neutralize the effects of the salt so you wouldn’t have to put a block on it? The winds can be fierce seaside so I like the idea of a cover. Are there maybe covers out there that take in sunlight but block the wind I could use?
Hello Catherine so nice to meet you, I am happy that I could help. What I suggested in my post is to wash plants off with fresh water. Connect a garden shooter to your hose and setting the shooter to shower or jet spray, gently squeezing the trigger will help.
All purpose garden fabric may help, you should be able to find this at your garden center or plant nursery. Hope this helps and please let me know how your garden project goes. All the best to you and have a wonderful day.
Hi Norman, My mum lives near a coastline and is a keen gardener, She really likes plants but i think the sea air sometimes messes with the plants. I have passed on your website url to her because I think she will find the hedge idea useful and also C. Container, also the B. Raise beds-Raise beds you mention seem to be good for winds and salts.
This information is great and ideal for my mum. I am gladIfound it, she will love reading all your tips.
Thanks,
Freddy
Hello freddy so nice to meet you and I am so happy that I could help. Please if you don’t mind, keep me posted about your mums garden project. Thanks again and have a good night.