How to Grow an HERB Garden - The EASY DIY Essentials || Black Gumbo

Come spend some time with me in my garden as I talk about the basics of growing an herb garden. Kitchen gardens have always been a great way to keep yourself supplied with fresh herbs for cooking, and its not that hard. There are no secrets. I'll show you how by planting oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage, and will show you what else I consider essential.
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Black Gumbo shares our suburban, backyard, sustainable gardening efforts. We work a small-scale teaching garden, much like the typical Zone 9a backyard garden and raised beds, the kind of gardening accessible to all. We tend to take the slice of life approach and hope you will enjoy our family, our dog, our cooking, our adventures, and occasionally some commentary and advice. We love family, joy and friendship, and we invite you to enjoy these things with us!
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[@j.b.6855]

Herbs are one of my favorite things to grow Scott. The bang for the buck is hard to beat. I have been starting most of them from seed from 4 for $1 packs from the Dollar Tree. I wont start them till next week. Plenty of time before they go outside in 5b, we are in the 20's during the day. Love your video's, seeing green things planted is good for my sanity 3 months before I can plant outside.

[@ThirdCoastGardening]

I planted a few herbs in my new Greenstalk garden tower. I love to cook too and having fresh herbs is a great benefit to having a garden. I love harvesting from my garden, then using them in my cooking.

[@mildredkrisik8888]

Good suggestion.

[@lynmoore8355]

I have a herb garden and love itm when your in the kitchen and you cooking and think "oh I put some herbs in that" and go outside and grab some.... nothing is better than fresh Herbs.

[@terryparker8309]

I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have a Rosemary plant that I plant in my garden. In the fall I pull it out and stick it in a pot. I bring it into the house and have fresh Rosemary all year round. Next spring I stick it back in my garden. 15 years old!

[@raydel5732]

Scott, are you sure your fig trees are dead? If the roots were NOT killed. It will still live. Cut it back to a few buds. Feed it liquid fertilizer then let the soil dry out. -- If you do this. In a month to six weeks let us know what happens --Ray Delbury Sussex County NJ USA

[@carolynmeadows]

Fig trees rebound from the roots! Agree

[@raydel5732]

Thanks Scott. Good to see you are more "yourself" -- Thank You LORD, Amen

[@hollysoap9646]

There is nothing better than growing fresh herbs and your garden and taste so much better and you're not getting all the pesticides by growing it organically

[@rosiehowell5575]

I took cuttings of my rosemary, sage and lavender last fall. The new growth ends. Dipped the ends in root growth hormone and put in potting soil. Had great luck with the lavender and rosemary rooting and it is growing. Only had two sage cuttings that made it. The sage plant wasn't real healthy so that might have been the reason for the high rate of fail. Just wanted to pass along as a tip to keep your plants in case you have a killer freeze where you live.

[@Sabbathissaturday]

Beautiful! I’m still waiting here in 8a Texas to plant my herbs. 😁 I’m doing it all by seeds. I save a million seeds every year too so they will grow even better out here. Does anyone else reuse dirt and mix up with compost (repurposed) and end up with all sorts of various volunteers ? I love the surprise of what’s that little seedling going to be? 🤔

[@oreopaksun2512]

Neighbors and friends growing herbs are a good source of cuttings or divisions for many of Scott's favorites. Check grocery stores for potted herbs. I find even Walmart has basil, parsley, thyme and mint for $5, and they are usually bigger than the HD or Lowes Bonnie starts, though they could be neglected, depending on when you go. If you have Trader Joe's, they are a super source of healthy herbs in pots.

[@-SleepySatan-]

Dang, I got my hopes up for a minute.

[@millie1291]

I feel your pain. My mango tree, thyme, and one of my guava trees all died from the freeze. Time to start over again.

[@heatherkennedy9973]

if you know your nose knows--herbs all have a different smell--love fresh herbs and you make it easy for anyone to start a simple herb garden!!!--love your channel--so packed full of info --what i really love is you are so real about what worked and what did not!!!

[@Katydidit]

Grateful that most of my herbs survived that recent freeze. Location is everything... and mine must have been protected from the crazy winds. Praise God!

[@patriciaduffield2319]

I love using Kellogg’s potting and garden soil. Our local Home Depot didn’t have it for a while but now it’s back. I have been following you three years now - my entire gardening experience. Things are growing well now in my HOA backyard. Learned so much from following you, Sam and Phoebe. 😊😊😊. Central Florida 9b

[@amyk6028]

Be careful with Kellogg’s. I used to use them all the time and then 2 years ago, they had the big ordeal that their soil was killing everyone’s plants, including mine! My entire garden was wiped out because of their soil. You should look it up. It was awful and a lot of people were very angry

[@patriciaduffield2319]

@@amyk6028 thank you for the heads up on Kelloggs. As a new impatient gardener I watch everything. I also add soil amendments as needed. I would notice something being detrimental to my Florida plants in straight up sandy back yard right away.

[@sonnyamoran7383]

Perfect timing. Working on it now.

[@catherinefontenot6941]

Just found you neighbor. Love your channel. I’m in zone 9a and getting ready to start my container garden. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@lisaderksen6513]

Most, if not all, of your culinary herbs are medicinal. For example, I make a rosemary-sage-thyme oxymel for my lungs & respiratory issues.

[@WhirlWindFarmKennelAmherst]

My oregano jumped ship from pot right into garden and took off! I love seeing it do what it wants to do. I also have a cute Corgi walking around w me like yours!

[@InkByt3]

Great video Scott. It's pretty hard to get the best value for money. Here in Australia it's Summer, great time for Basil or Oregano.

[@MyVintageLife]

All my basil keeps dying, suddenly after years of having a literal jungle! Thanks for sharing!🌱🍀💗👌🔔🔔

[@infjstardust4357]

yeah, me too! every time i rub my hands on my herbs, they smell so good....

[@tennesseenana4838]

I also just finished watching you on Gardener Scott's live channel. You two made a good team this morning.

[@Ollie-10]

I'm in Alvin. Zone 9b. My oregano and parsley survived the freeze in December. I was surprised.

[@downunderveggiegardendiaries]

Best to add sand to herb gardens. Also a Garden Soil Mix is best, not potting mix as too much potting mix in your garden will get you hydrophobic soil.

[@ScottHead]

Has worked in small raised beds for years and years. :-)

[@sonnyamoran7383]

So happy to be seeing you. God bless you. And happy gardening. 😊

[@kath-phlox]

Haha Scott, I keep telling people that dirt is what's on the bottom of your shoe, you grow food in compost or soil... It's finally getting through to people, spread the word. I've got my fingers crossed for my tarragon in a pot, I love it. I keep losing it over winter with slugs, but this year it might be the deep freeze that's got it. The trouble is, you can't grow Tarragon from seed, you have to keep buying a plant if it dies.

[@priyaspreciousplants190]

I have many fabric pots but find the round 15 gallon ones the most useful. Thanks for your videos.

[@drago6576]

Hey Scott! Good to see ya. I have a "good problem" I think. I started okra seeds using jiffy seed starter pods (do it every year). Okra package said 14-21 days germination. (Okay!) 11 days later I have okra plants a hand tall. I am still 3 weeks before I'm comfortable sending seeds outdoors (on frost watch)... at this rate I am going to be in trouble with space (and the Mrs). I was also impressed that 10 of 12 seeds are now seedlings. (Plant type is Clemson spineless 80.) I didn't do anything special... so I am good and confused. Now I'm afraid to start peppers... I fear I will run out of space. My poor basil did not like coming in over the winter... so I'll work on that. (Wife is okay with a small pot of basil.) Good luck with your garden!

[@DDWASH9595]

I’m sorry to hear that your figs kicked the bucket. On your next video could you give a brief update on the tithonia diversifolia you got from daisy the good I would appreciate it Scott

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

I can't believe that took out your Rosemary normally Rosemary handles freezes pretty well. It must have gotten really cold down in your part of Texas. I know the Sub-Zero temperatures that we had that one year killed mine . Dallas area gets colder than y'all normally. But that was insane.

[@jujube2407]

Mr Scott I absolutely adore you! I like it, and it works for me ❤️

[@margaretmojica8190]

I have been using Kellogg Patio Plus for everything I have in pots. I have been using it, straight out of the bag, for the last 10 years for my 2 peach trees, 5 fig trees, loquat, kumquat, apricot, and 2 guavas, all of which are in 15 gallon pots. I would have the trees in 20 gallon pots, but it would be impossible for me to move them or re-pot them because they would be too big and heavy. I am starting to get into fresh herbs, instead of dry ones. Fresh thyme is wonderful while dry thyme tastes like dust. A bunch of parsley at the store costs $1.50 and you usually only need 2 or 3 stocks and the rest goes to waste.

[@vonries]

I planted one herb garden along the path to my front door. I figured if you see it multiple times per day and it being right by the door, hopefully people will be more likely to use them. My second bed I planted with herbs is right outside the back door. It's not far from the kitchen. No reason I can see not to use them. Although I apparently use a lot more herbs then you do. One thing you might want to try is if you can't protect your herbs, you might be able to root some cuttings. Rosemary is generally very easy to root from cuttings. Although you might be able to cut the plant down to almost nothing and then dig up the plant and put it in a pot for inside until winter is over.

[@TheMixingBowlHomestead]

Currently watching you live with Gardener Scott. Looking forward to learning from you. New sub 👍

[@karenplante3801]

Yes, the freeze in Abilene, TX, knocked back a lot of my plants. But several plants did surprisingly awesome. I have several herbs that survived. I plan on making an herb spiral garden in our front garden space. I planted Camomile last year and used it in teas. It was really interesting. Also, I used nasturtium flowers in salads and the leaves as a wrap for sandwiches. Happy gardening and cooking with all those fresh herbs!!

[@hopeking3588]

Spring is not looking good in mich! It snowed last night we have to start things under lights in house, but we can start peas! Abd radishes now! Looking forward to warmer weather!

[@sonnyamoran7383]

Dill is also a bad pest deterrent for some plants. Tomatoes and squash I've been told.

[@jimmyhand1259]

My 2 Rosemary bushes are 8 years old. They're bigger than 4'x4', too big to stick in a little bed. We have a freeze every winter. They're perennial as are Oregano, Thyme, Lavender,, Chives and others and if they die back they come back every Spring.

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

I let my parsley go to seed for the pollinators and I'll never have to plant parsley again. I just pull out the excess seedlings. 😏

[@seanrich1367]

Thanks for posting. I don't cook ,herbs are great, but do enjoy growing Hard neck Garlic. Grows like crazy here and it's super Good. I confess, I rarely plant new it just keeps coming back year after year.

[@stephenmoberg8807]

I grow my herbs in a vertical setup. Ty for the info as always- good to see Phoebe - even though she wanted to eat the soil! Lol

[@katielin2379]

Thanks for sharing your new herb garden.

[@infjstardust4357]

wonderful herb tips..thank you and God bless!

[@Roseheartworks.]

Very encouraging, thank you

[@drago6576]

Hey Scott. KELLOGGS potting mix has skyrocketed here in Charleston. $10 a bag... when I could get it as cheap as $7. I got 3 bags to plant new peppers and things... these peppers better produce!

[@lauramccament1381]

Thanks for the tip on labeling the plants, great idea!

[@normacone3124]

I live in Zone 3 in Manitoba Canada. My oregano goes through the winter and returns in the spring.

[@LeverActionLarry]

Looking good!

[@peggyoconnell3733]

A great, informative video! Thanks!!

[@pattyriggs651]

Love ya program ! Interesting ! Cute dog !

[@WILLITGROW]

well explained video sir.gotta have the herb garden.

[@jackiehorsley9263]

Nice herbs I love to grow herbs I hope your Hurbs do well

[@onemoredoll5791]

I would love a video on how to grow chives. I am in the same zone as you on opposite side of country but I can not get chives to grow.

[@dianeirvine1384]

Lovely video. Love my herbs and use more and more each year. Dry some and use fresh when I can. Do have trouble with rosemary. After reading some of comments think I over water at times. Going to plant in dry garden and see if that works. Interesting you just leave yours and don’t water maybe that’s the key.

[@tomevans4402]

I’m going to do this, I cook also.

[@itsallaboutlight]

I'm in zone 7a East TN. We had a freeze in December. I don't think my rosemary is still alive either.

[@onemoredoll5791]

My one sage grew to probably the entire length of your bed. Lol

[@dollyperry3020]

Scott, you forgot Chives....I use those all summer long :) (This is what happens when you comment before the end of the video LOL ) I love that! I may have to build another raised bed :( LOL I'm so sorry you lost those 3 fig trees! How do you preserve cilantro? I thought of compound butter. But it doesn't usually work with that herb as it does with chives or parsley or basil.

[@ScottHead]

I'll probably freeze the cilantro. It will destroy the looks of it but the flavor will remain.

[@Katydidit]

Yes, I just freeze it as well. It works well in soups and stews that way.

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

What about a meal worm farm? Homestead Corner has a video today 2/12/23 on meal worm farms for the fav feathrd fri ends.

[@ScottHead]

Good idea for sure.

[@tangell481]

Hi Scott great info if cilantro is corrianda then now I know what happened to mine being summer in nz

[@dianeirvine1384]

Yes same plant know what you mean from nz

[@LiliansGardens]

Compost is what keepsa garden going and if formation of compost stops the garden to table to garden stops. .

[@valeriep.4716]

This is probably a dumb question, but do raised beds have a bottom or do they just sit on the ground with an open bottom?

[@nebsun]

Straight on the ground is the usual way. Layer some cardboard down thick before filling it up to suppress weeds / grass.

[@ScottHead]

Neb Sun has it right.

[@thefishfin-atic7106]

Question about bagged soil; if you leave soil in a bag for an extended amount of time, will it kill off all the beneficial microbes that feed your plants? (because the air inside is all used up)

[@ScottHead]

It can go anaerobic in there especially if it gets wet, but I use it anyway. It quickly gets repopulated.

[@lindashankle9645]

Hello Scott, my Garden Guru. I'm on your same planting zone in Ft Bend County. We had such a beautiful downpour yesterday and I'm so very greatful to God for sending us rain. Everything is looking very lovely except i noticed that my large potted curly parsley plant has a border of yellowed bunches. The rest of the plant us very green and fresh. Can you please explain what is happening? Also, I don't see any bugs attacking it. Can the yellowing parts be composted? Thanks again for your very informative videos.

[@ScottHead]

Its natural, those are the older parts dying off, compost them.

[@lindashankle9645]

@@ScottHead Thanks for such a quick response. I will compost them. Have a great day.

[@andraroberts9029]

Have you grown rosemary or lavender from seed? I'm growing them for the first time this year and have been warned they can be difficult. Any tips?

[@ScottHead]

Never grown those from seed. I have grown rosemary from cuttings, that's fairly easy.

[@jameschainey2343]

What do you think about using bone meal and dry blood. I use it alot?

[@ScottHead]

Perfectly good amendments.

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

I’m afraid as just starting in container n raised beds that I am going to OVER FERTILIZE and OVER WATER. guidelines please or make us beginners a video on it. Please. In zone 6 so I have time to wait on your magnificent videos. Flattery maybe but you are my go to as a beginner

[@nebsun]

For these kinds of mediterranean herbs, they thrive without fertiliser and prefer dryness - to prevent over fertilisation, just don't use any and just use compost instead and to prevent overwatering, wait until the first inch of soil is completely dry before watering - if the plants really need water, they will show the signs long before they are in danger of dying.

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

@@nebsun thanks.

[@heatherkennedy9973]

i am getting ready to start a green stalk herb garden-- i have a problem with rosemary--it grows for a while and then dies --still do not know why cus it grows like a weed around here!!!

[@kathyandlucy5341]

I agree. I have a problem keeping rosemary too 🤷‍♀️

[@Katydidit]

Rosemary likes a bit drier location... hope that helps

[@aaronpinkham4196]

Isn’t it cruel how cilantro and tomatoes/peppers have opposite grow seasons!? I’ll keep cilantro growing until it goes to seed though, they are another amazing spice!

[@nancythane4104]

My apologies for this being abit off topic, but how much Azomite are you using fot your potted plants? I've just bought my first bag and want to use the proper amounts. If it helps most of my cloth pots are 5 gal~sized. Hope you & your family are dojng well!😊

[@ScottHead]

Just a handful per pot.

[@Katydidit]

I have no idea how to grow sage... I have killed every single plant I have attempted... help??

[@ScottHead]

I don’t do anything special just give it good soil.

[@SkipperCMP]

I am in Houston too. Is your 2X6's treated, if not, did you do anything to them before using them?

[@ScottHead]

No, not treated, I'll get about 6 years out of the wood before replacing.

[@lincolnreagan7476]

@@ScottHead Where I'm at, I like to keep the growing out of the soil so I got 2x8x10 foot, three pieces, and made a long container to grow my onions and garlic in. I drilled holes in the bottom every 6 inches for drainage and use potting mix. The wood is untreated, but just on the sides I used a light spray coat of Thompsons Water seal. Roots can't reach it, and I use those cheap red 12x12 pavers to rest the box on. I should get a decade+ out of them since they don't rest in water, even being in the PA/NJ region where we get water year round.

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍😻😻😻😻😻💯💯💯💯💯

[@marytucker7571]

Where did you get yor hat I like it?

[@ScottHead]

Amazon. It's a Scala crushable felt hat.

[@ouch65]

Any herbs grow well in the shade?

[@ScottHead]

I'm not sure, I've never really had to deal with shade much so don't have that knowledge.

[@metalrabbit09]

I started oregano from seed last month, and they're growing so slowly under the LED workshop lights. Did I start them in the wrong month or season? Zone 9a or 9b

[@ScottHead]

Should be OK in our area, especially if you are growing under lights. Maybe fertilize with a weak strength fish emulsion. Sounds lie what my tomatoes are experiencing right now. :-(

[@latigress1959]

I am in Southwestern Louisiana 9a, it says our last frost is Feb 26. Where are you located?

[@ScottHead]

Friendswood, TX between Galveston and Houston.

[@latigress1959]

@@ScottHead cool :) Not far from Kinder, LA where I am :)

[@lilycardoso4679]

I have a bunch of dill that popped up but I don't know what to do with it.

[@normacone3124]

I love dill leaves in potato salad. The seeds are also edible but taste like licorice. They could also be used in salads if they are fresh, not dried.

[@anyonecanseethis5787]

search for it on youtube, love people sharing their ideas. I like it for Indian chutneys and foods, and lemon dill sauce for fish and chicken dishes. (and potato salad, egg salad), have fun.

[@melissakingery4393]

I can see it for some reason

[@mildredkrisik8888]

Does your 2x6 bed have a bottom or is it open to the ground soil? Is it 6"deep? It looks small enough that I might be able to put it together myself.

[@ScottHead]

It’s open to the native soil. Real easy.

[@amyk6028]

Great video! I lost all my herbs this year too 🥲 We got down to 5 degrees in early January and I didn't protect them. So now I must start over