Children’s Special: Fun Ways To Start A Small Herb Garden: Planting And Caring For Mint And Basil

Have you ever thought about growing your little garden?

It’s all fun and easy, and you can grow your herbs, like mint and basil, right at home! These herbs smell great, taste delicious, and are perfect for adding to your food or making drinks.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, here are some fun and easy ways to start a small herb garden at home, including growing mint and basil.

Let us get started on how you can grow and take care of these amazing herbs.

What You Need

Before we begin, here’s a list of things you will need:

1. Small pots or containers (ensure they have holes at the bottom for water drainage).
2. Good quality soil (you can use soil from your garden mixed with some compost or leftover vegetable peels to make it richer).
3. Mint and basil seeds (or small plants if you want to start quickly).
4. Watering can or a small cup for watering.
5. Sunny spot (a place where your plants can get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day).

Planting Your Herbs

1. Prepare Your Pots

Fill your pots with soil, leaving a little space at the top. This will make it easier when you water the plants.

2. Plant the Seeds

Make small holes in the soil with your finger (about the size of your fingertip). Put one or two seeds in each hole and cover them lightly with soil.

3. Water Gently

Water the soil lightly using a watering can or a cup. Be careful not to flood the soil; just make it damp.

4. Find a Sunny Spot

Place your pots in a sunny spot. Mint and basil love sunlight, so ensure they get enough daily.

Caring for Your Herbs

Watering:

Water your herbs regularly, but don’t let the soil get too wet. A little bit of water every day or every other day is perfect.

Sunlight:

Make sure your herbs get enough sunlight. If it’s too hot outside, you can bring them indoors and place them near a window.

Trimming:

As your herbs grow, you can trim the leaves. This helps the plant grow better, and you can use fresh herbs in your food!

Inspection:

To keep pests at bay, inspect your plants regularly and remove any affected leaves. You can also use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Fun Facts About Mint and Basil

Mint grows quickly and can spread a lot, so it’s best to keep it in its own pot. You can use mint leaves in drinks like lemonade or tea.

Basil is a favourite in many dishes like pasta and pizza. Did you know that basil leaves can help keep mosquitoes away?

Growing mint and basil offers more than just fresh herbs for cooking. You can use them to make refreshing teas, flavoured waters, or homemade pesto.

Mint is great for cocktails like mojitos, while basil can add a fresh twist to salads and pasta dishes. You can also dry the herbs or freeze them for later use.

Starting a small herb garden with mint and basil is a fun and rewarding activity. You’ll learn how plants grow and enjoy the fresh taste of your own herbs.

Plus, it is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. So, grab your pots and seeds, and happy gardening!

By following these simple steps, you’ll become a “mini-gardener” in no time. Enjoy watching your mint and basil grow, and have fun using them in your favourite meals and drinks!

Read more: Growing Indoor Plants For Cleaner Air And A Touch Of Greenery.