DIY Network

Herb Border Herb Border From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-211

Figure A

Joe's next project is to give an existing flowerbed (figure A) an herb border. First he trims back some stray branches and explains why this is an ideal area for growing herbs: because it gets enough sun for them to grow well and it gets watered regularly by the sprinkler system. He adds a thick layer of compost and soil conditioner and begins planting, placing the largest plants in the back and the shorter herbs in front. He then moves to the area around the mailbox, where he plants some ornamental peppers; and finally he plants some basil and tomatoes in existing pots on the front porch.

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Sometimes when you look at a flowerbed, you don't realize how much space you have to work with: there's often a good 8"-12" between the shrubs and the turf grass. This gives you plenty or room to add some low-maintenance plants such as herbs. Existing beds need a dose of fresh nutrients every few years. To help herbs get a quick start, give the bed a healthy dose of a well-balanced fertilizer. This will help new plants as well as the older ones.

Some good plants to use in an herb border or around a mailbox are the following:

Chives, leeks, garlic and shallots
Lemongrass
Tarragon
Dill
Rosemary
Ornamental peppers
Dwarf or bush tomatoes
Spicy basil
Italian parsley

Basil, chives and lemongrass

Ornamental peppers