Hey! Imagine a picture of your house where you get fresh herbs to take your home cooking to the next level. Time is the most precious commodity in our life, so self- watering herbs garden would be a great thing. I have had a great journey in my self-watering herb garden for 10 years. In this article, I would like to share how I did it, what issues I faced most of the time, and how it made a significant difference. Welcome to realm of self-watering herb garden, where a picture of having your desired herbs fresh basil for your pasta sauce or mint for your mojito, without having worry about the daily watering routine.
How self watering herb garden really work:
Keeping it simple: Self-watering systems may sound fancy, but it’s a very simple process. Imagine your growing herbs has its own caretaker who is checking on your plants and giving them water when they’re thirsty. This entire scenery like this, a helpful friend who knows when your herbs need water, so you have no worries about it.
Mini watering assistant: There is a reservoir filled with water at the bottom of the plant. The awesome mechanism of this – we can call it wicking system – that acts like a straw that draws water up from the reservoir and conveys it straightforwardly to the roots of your herbs. This way, the plants get water whenever they need watering.
Required amount of water: The entire process works very smartly. It does not suffocate your plants with too much water or leave them thirsty. Instead, this system provides required amount of water that needs your herb to grow well.
So, you can take this system as your own plant caretaker that always make sure your herbs remain growing and thriving. With this system your herbs get adequate water they need automatically, without having to your concern.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Self-Watering Herb Garden:
Preparing your container: First choose a container with holes in the bottom that helps water drain out. This ensures your herbs do not get wet. Then, take something like a rope or fabric strip that reaches from the bottom to the top. This will help the water move up to your herbs.
Adding water: Fill the bottom of your pot with water, but don’t fill it to the brim. Stop when about half full. This water will be absorbed by rope or fabric strips to keep your herbs hydrated.
Planting your herbs: Now, we are ready to plant the herbs. Fill your container with soil then place your herbs precisely. Make sure they are not too close, as they need enough space to grow. Provide water after planting to help them settle.
Troubleshooting Tips: If your herbs seem droopy, they may be getting too much water. You need to dry the soil immediately. If your herbs look thirsty, make sure water is reaching them from below. In this case, you may need to adjust or change the rope or fabric strip.
With these simple steps, you will easily get your own fresh herbs. Don’t worry if things don’t work out at first. Learning is part of the fun!
Essential Components for Your Self Watering Herb Garden:
Choosing right pot: During choosing pot, take the pot with holes in the bottom. It allows excess water to escape. Selected pot should fit your space and style considering indoor plants or large plants.
Right soil mixture: You should choose soil mixture wisely. Choose well-draining potting mix that is specially made for herbs. And you should avoid heavy soil cause holding too much water, and root rot. Trust me, Choosing the right soil mix will make such a big difference in the growth of your herb plants.
Electing herbs: It’s time to choose herbs for your garden. Consider your tastes preferences and gardening experience while choosing herbs. If you are a beginner in self watering herb garden, you should go for some herbs that grow easily like basil, mint, and parsley. When you’re well experienced in herb gardening, you can choose some challenging herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Learn from experience: I have learned a few things about what works and what doesn’t in a self watering herb garden. The one of the greatest lessons I learned – don’t overcrowd container in your garden so they get enough space to grow and develop. And always keep your eyes on the water level of the reservoir, especially in hot weather. Because it’s easy to forget.
With these components you can grow your garden easily without facing any issues, that enhance your sense and culinary creation. Believe me, there is nothing as satisfying as harvesting your required herbs from your own garden.
Tips to keep your garden thriving:
Regular check-ins: Checking your herb garden regularly must be your daily habit. Try to find signs of growth like new leaves and buds, check the moisture of soil by digging your finger into soil. If it seems dry, then go for some watering.
Water wisely: Adequate watering is the key things for all plants. Watering can be done in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation. If you’re using self watering system, keep an eye on the water level of the reservoir.
Feeding herbs: Like us, Herbs need nutrients to grow well. A mild fertilizer every few weeks in growing season should be provided for giving them a boast. Try to provide balanced fertilizer specially made for herbs and follow instructions carefully to avoid overfeeding.
Prune and Harvest regularly: Some gardeners tend to be afraid to prune the plants. Don’t afraid to do it. You may know pruning encourages growth and prevents them from becoming leggy. Also, the more you harvest, the more the production will be.
Watch for pests and diseases: Be aware of any unwanted visitor such as aphids, spider mites or fungal diseases. If you see any sign of them such as yellowing leaves or strange spots, spray insecticidal soap on affected plan, remove diseased leaves to prevent spreading other leaves of plants.
Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. So don’t lose hope. If you face any obstacles along the way, take it as a learning process. With a little patience, care, and the tips I’ve shared, your herb garden will continue to thrive and delight you for seasons to come. Happy gardening!
