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How to Grow Herbs in San Diego
How to Grow Herbs in San Diego. San Diego's temperate climate makes it an ideal location for growing herbs outdoors. Fresh herbs have the power to transform nearly any recipe into a culinary delight while also adding beauty and fragrance to the garden. Whether you are planting a large herb garden or a small container garden, learn to select the...
San Diego's temperate climate makes it an ideal location for growing herbs outdoors. Fresh herbs have the power to transform nearly any recipe into a culinary delight while also adding beauty and fragrance to the garden. Whether you are planting a large herb garden or a small container garden, learn to select the right herbs for the climate so your garden flourishes.
Things You'll Need
Garden spade or tiller
Crushed stone
Compost
Sand
Determine the size of your herb garden. This will be the predominant factor in the number of plants you will buy. If you have a small space, consider using containers for growing herbs.
Select herbs that will grow well in your hardiness zone while taking pride in your California heritage. Supplement herb garden staples such as basil, mint, thyme and rosemary with a selection of herbs that are native to California.
Amend your garden soil to improve drainage and nutrient content. Till the area in which you will plant your herb garden, removing approximately 18 inches of soil. Place 3 inches of crushed stone at the bottom of the area to improve drainage. Mix 3 to 4 inches of compost and 1 to 3 inches of sand into the garden soil, and return it to your planting bed.
Plant herbs approximately as deep as the container in which you purchased the plants. Space multiple plants apart according to plant directions; generally 6 to 12 inches.
Water herbs thoroughly after planting and regularly throughout the growing season. Most plants require 1 inch of water per week.
Harvest once the plant has enough leaves to maintain its growth. Picking your herbs too soon may diminish its growth and kill the plant.
Tips & Warnings
Native California herbs such as chia, manzanitas, claytonia perfoliata and California wild rose are edible or produce edible berries. Other herbs, such as hummingbird sage, butterfly mints and woolly blue curls are used predominately for their fragrant qualities and to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your herb garden.
If you are looking for ideas on new herbs to add to your garden, consider visiting the annual San Diego Herb Festival. Here, you will see a guest speaker, receive herb-gardening advice and tour the Herb Garden – sure to give you a dose of inspiration for your own herb garden.
Prepare your planting site. All types of herbs prefer well-draining, fertile soil and, unfortunately, most of San Diego’s soil is not up to the task. San Diego's soil varies widely across the county; however, in general, the soil has a high salt and clay content with minimal water.
