A mini herb garden is a great introduction to gardening. Unlike other plants, herbs can be very forgiving. Those who are afraid of herb gardening want to have a step-by-step guide to planting and tending to their garden. Here is a detailed list of what you will need to do to create a great garden. The steps will include choosing a garden location, buying the right pot, creating the correct soil mixture, planting, watering, light, wind, and pruning.

(1)    GARDEN LOCATION : Choosing the right spot for your herb garden is important. If planting indoors, use a windowsill that faces either south or west. If planting outdoors, choose a plot, which will get shade at least half of the day.

(2)    THE RIGHT POT : If planting indoors or planting an invasive herb, the right pot will make a difference. The mini herb garden should be in plastic or clay pots a few inches in diameter. This will provide enough space for them to grow, but not get out of control.

(3)    SOIL MIXTURE : The best mixture for herbs is equal parts potting soil and sand. For pots of this size, add a half-tablespoon of lime to the soil. Herbs grow best in soil that is lacking in nutrients, but has lime. This is a great mixture for perfect herbs.

(4)    PLANTING : In order to grow great herbs, you do not want the seed to be too deep. A great measure of depth is the nail on your index finger. Push the seed into the soil until you do not see your nail. This will allow your plant to sprout once it germinates.

(5)    WATERING : Giving your mini herb garden the right amount of water is very important. The biggest problem most herb gardens have is over watering. This can cause the plant to drown as well as develop diseases. Either of these problems kills your garden before it can grow.

(6)    LIGHT : Most herbs benefit from about seven hours of direct light. Simply looking at the back of the seed package will give you a good idea of how much light the herb needs. Some may require semi-shady conditions, which can be achieved by a blind or surrounding plants.

(7)    WIND : The mini herb garden will benefit from some wind. Keep in mind; herbs do not like a lot of wind. If your area has strong winds, you will want to block some of the wind from getting to your plants. If planting inside, use an oscillating fan on a low setting for about an hour a day.

(8)    PRUNING : Pruning is important to the health of any plant. The problem many people have with herbs is a tendency to pay them too much attention. Light pruning is recommended unless harvesting leaves. Always cut close to the stem or soil to allow the plant the best health.

Following these easy steps will help you grow a successful mini herb garden. Remember, in order to keep your garden small, you will want to keep the plants contained. Herbs like rosemary and chives will grow as much as you let them. Annuals do not have this problem, as they will perish after growing for one season. Once you master this kind of garden, you may want to move on to a larger herb garden.