Herbs are important to have in any garden because they can be used in cooking, teas, cocktails, and herbal remedies. They also look nice, and many of the flowers and leaves are attractive to pollinators. It is much cheaper to grow your own herbs from seeds or ready-grown plants than to buy them already cut up at the store. Plus, you can cut them as needed, so they stay fresh. You’ll enjoy a much wider range of flavours, too.
You can grow herbs in a separate area of your garden, but if you don’t have much room, you can make one in a raised bed, a big pot, or even a window box.
A raised bed herb garden allows you to grow a variety of fresh herbs right at your fingertips. With the right design and layout, you can maximize your space while creating an inviting and functional herb garden. In this article, we’ll explore how to design the ideal raised bed herb garden.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a spot for your raised bed, choose an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Herbs thrive in sunny locations. Avoid planting under trees or shadows that will limit the light.
If possible, position the raised bed near your kitchen door for easy access when cooking Having the herbs close by makes it convenient to run out and grab a few sprigs.
Constructing the Raised Bed
Build your raised bed at least 12 inches tall to allow ample room for nutrient-rich soil. The bed should be a minimum of 4 feet wide and 8 feet long to accommodate several plants.
Use rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood for the sides of the raised bed Or you can make a concrete block or brick raised bed for a more permanent structure,
Line the bottom with hardware cloth to keep pests from burrowing in from below. Top with a quality potting mix or homemade soil blend that contains compost for drainage.
Dividing into Sections
Divide your raised bed into sections based on sunlight and watering needs. This allows you to group herbs appropriately.
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Full sun section – For Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage.
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Partial shade section – For herbs like mint, chervil and parsley that tolerate some shade.
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Moist soil section – For herbs like basil, cilantro and dill that require more water.
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Dry soil section – For herbs like lavender and oregano that thrive in drier conditions.
Use bricks, stones, or wood to create the divided sections within the raised bed.
Mapping Out Your Herb Garden
Here are some raised bed designs that work well for herbs:
Rectangular Bed
This is the simplest layout. Use taller herbs like dill and fennel in the center. Plant shorter herbs like thyme and chamomile along the edges for easy access.
Circular Bed
A round raised bed allows you to reach the herbs from all sides. Plant tallest herbs in the middle, surrounded by medium and then short height herbs.
Square Foot Gardening
Divide the bed into 1’x1’ squares. This intensive planting method maximizes space for a variety of herbs. Mark squares with paint or plant ID sticks.
Hexagonal Design
Create a honeycomb pattern using hexagons. This creates neatly organized spaces for planting different herb varieties.
Potager Design
Mix herbs, flowers and ornamentals together inspired by a French potager garden. This creates an aesthetically pleasing herb garden.
Choosing the Right Herbs
Consider growing a mix of annual and perennial herbs. Here are some top choices:
Annual Herbs
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Parsley
Perennial Herbs
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Chives
- Mint
Be sure to check growing conditions for each herb variety to ensure your raised bed design suits their needs.
Sample Raised Bed Herb Garden Plans
Culinary Herb Garden
Grow herbs for cooking like basil, parsley, cilantro and dill. Plant in the moist soil section for best results.
Tea Herb Garden
Include herbs like lemon balm, mint, chamomile and lavender for homegrown tea. Group together in the partial shade section.
Mediterranean Herb Garden
Fill the dry section with rosemary, thyme, oregano and other herbs that thrive in hot sun with less water.
Ornamental Herb Garden
Mix beautiful ornamental herbs like purple sage and variegated lemon thyme with flowers and garden art.
Caring for Your Raised Bed Herb Garden
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Water each section appropriately, adjusting for different needs. Avoid overwatering.
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Weed weekly and use mulch to prevent weeds and retain moisture.
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Fertilize with organic matter like compost or fish emulsion.
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Prune overgrown herbs regularly to encourage new growth.
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Check for pests like aphids and treat organically as needed.
With the right design and care, your raised bed herb garden will flourish! Start small and expand as you gain experience. The fresh flavors and aromas will be worth it.
How to plant herbs
Most culinary herbs need a well-drained soil to thrive. If you have heavy clay, you will need to lighten the soil. If you want to grow annual herbs, mix in some well-rotted compost. For Mediterranean herbs, add horticultural grit to the soil. Fill a raised bed with topsoil and horticultural grit from the garden center if you want to grow herbs in it.
For better drainage, put some crocks at the bottom of your pots and fill them with good peat-free multipurpose compost. You can also add horticultural grit or perlite.
Before you plant the plants, put them somewhere to make sure you have them in the right place. Research the eventual height and spread of each herb, so that you give it enough space to grow. Plant at the same depth as the root ball, and water in well.
How to care for your herb garden
Water your new herb garden regularly until the plants have established, especially in hot weather.
Sow a new crop every time you’re halfway through the current one to make sure you always have fresh annual herbs. Spread seeds out thinly on top of a pot or tray of multi-use compost. When it’s warm enough, you can also plant them directly in the ground.
If you have perennials in pots, remove some of the compost and replace it with new compost in the spring. You can also repot them in new compost. Divide chives and tarragon each second spring, and top dress or re-pot woody Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary.
Herbs like mint and chives die down in winter, so need cutting to the ground in late autumn. Evergreen herbs that are woody, like rosemary and sage, get straggly over time. To shape them, prune them after they flower or in the spring.
Beginner Gardening Raised Bed Do’s & Don’ts
FAQ
How deep should a raised garden bed be for herbs?
What is the best layout for an herb garden?
Do herbs grow well in raised beds?
What makes a good raised bed herb garden?
By paying attention to these soil and planting details, you’ll create a thriving raised bed herb garden that will provide fresh, flavorful herbs for your kitchen. Remember, the foundation of a successful garden lies in the quality of its soil and the care you put into planting and nurturing your herbs.
How much space do herbs need to grow in a raised bed?
Certain herbs, like basil and rosemary, prefer a little more room for their roots, with a recommendation of at least two feet of soil depth for optimal growth. It’s essential to research your herbs before you plant them to ensure your raised bed accommodates their needs.
Should you start a raised bed herb garden?
Starting a raised bed herb garden is a great way to bring fresh flavors into your kitchen and greenery into your outdoor space. Perfect for small urban spaces, this guide will show you how to create and maintain a herb garden that fits your space and lifestyle.
How do you grow herbs in a raised bed?
Once you’ve picked the perfect spot and size for your raised bed, it’s time to prepare the soil. Good soil is essential for healthy plant growth. For most herbs, start with a mix of topsoil, compost, and peat moss, which provides a fertile growing environment. A 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% peat moss mix works well.
Can a raised bed herb garden elevate your cooking?
A raised bed herb garden can elevate your cooking. We talk about raised garden beds a lot here at Epic Gardening, and for good reason! The best feature of a raised garden bed is that the soil level is elevated above the ground. This allows for more accessible gardening since you won’t have to crouch down just to reach your plants.
How do I plan my herb garden?
When I plan my herb garden, the first thing I consider is the layout. The garden’s structure, whether raised bed or container style, plays a crucial role in how my plants will grow, and it determines the light and space they’ll receive.