How to Grow Organic Herbs

Overview

There is a big difference in terminology between growing herbs naturally and growing them organically. "Natural gardening" is generally accepted to mean using natural methods of growing. But "natural" is not "organic," because natural gardeners use natural or chemical products, while organic growers use all organic products, including seeds, starter plants and fertilizers, and no pesticides or herbicides. Maintenance is more intensive when growing organically because you do not use any man-made chemicals.

Step 1

Fill seed trays with organic compost. Place two to three herb seeds in each seed pot, and moisten the soil.

Step 2

Place the tray in a greenhouse or sunny location indoors. Keep the soil moist until the herb seeds sprout, approximately seven to ten days for most species.

Step 3

Construct a raised garden bed from plans or from a kit. Using a raised bed eliminates the question of chemicals leaching into the soil you plant your herbs in. Fill the raised bed with organic compost.

Step 4

Transplant your herb seedlings into the raised bed after they have been hardened off. Place one-third of the plant under the soil to encourage further root development.

Step 5

Layer organic straw around your herb plants to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. Water once per week or when the soil is dry to the touch 1 inch deep.