11 IDEAS THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO FINALLY START YOUR OUTDOOR HERB GARDEN

Are you considering adding a touch of greenery to your home? Look no further than starting an herb garden! Not only do herbs add flavor to your dishes, but they also offer a plethora of other benefits that can enhance your overall well-being and lifestyle. Let's explore seven compelling reasons why starting an herb garden at home is an excellent idea:

1. Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients: One of the most significant advantages of having an herb garden at home is access to fresh, flavorful ingredients. Imagine stepping outside your door and plucking a handful of basil, rosemary, or mint to enhance your culinary creations. Fresh herbs elevate the taste of your dishes, adding depth and complexity that dried herbs simply can't match.

2. Cost-Effective: Herbs purchased from the grocery store can be expensive, especially if you require them frequently for cooking. By growing your own herbs at home, you can save money in the long run. Once established, most herbs are relatively low-maintenance and can provide you with a continuous supply throughout the growing season.

3. Health Benefits: Many herbs boast impressive health benefits, ranging from boosting immunity to aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. Incorporating fresh herbs into your diet can enhance the nutritional value of your meals while promoting overall wellness. For example, basil contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, while thyme is rich in vitamins C and K.

4. Enhances Aesthetics: An herb garden adds aesthetic appeal to your home, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony. The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas of various herbs can transform any space into a lush, inviting oasis. You can get creative with your herb garden design, incorporating different textures, heights, and container options to suit your style.

5. Educational Opportunity: Starting an herb garden provides an excellent opportunity for education, both for adults and children alike. It allows you to learn about plant care, gardening techniques, and the culinary uses of various herbs. Gardening can also instill a sense of responsibility and connection to nature, fostering environmental awareness and sustainability.

6. Reduces Stress: Gardening has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels. Spending time tending to your herb garden can be therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

7. Promotes Sustainability: Growing your own herbs at home promotes sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint. It eliminates the need for packaging and transportation associated with store-bought herbs, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. Additionally, you have full control over the growing process, allowing you to avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO START YOUR HERB GARDEN:

Certainly! Here's a list of essential gardening supplies you'll need to start your herb garden at home:

• Containers or Pots: Choose containers or pots that are appropriate for the size and quantity of herbs you plan to grow. Make sure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

• Potting Mix: Select a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening. Look for mixes that provide good drainage and aeration for healthy root growth.

• Herb Seeds or Seedlings: Decide whether you want to start your herbs from seeds or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Choose a variety of herbs that suit your taste preferences and growing conditions.

• Watering Can or Hose: You'll need a watering can or hose to provide your herbs with regular moisture. Ensure that your watering method allows for gentle watering to prevent damage to delicate seedlings.

• Sunlight: Most herbs thrive in full sun, so choose a location for your herb garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. If you're growing herbs indoors, place them near a sunny window or under grow lights.

• Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from soil, thorns, and potential pests with a pair of sturdy gardening gloves. Look for gloves that are comfortable and provide good grip.

• Hand Trowel or Garden Tool Set: A hand trowel or a set of basic garden tools will come in handy for planting, transplanting, and maintaining your herb garden. Choose tools with ergonomic handles for comfortable use.

• Fertilizer: While herbs generally don't require heavy fertilization, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and abundant foliage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

• Mulch: Mulching your herb garden helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded leaves, straw, or compost can also enrich the soil as they break down.

• Pruning Shears or Scissors: Keep your herbs tidy and encourage bushier growth by regularly pruning or harvesting them. Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts without damaging the plants.

• Plant Markers or Labels: It's essential to label your herbs to keep track of their varieties, especially if you're growing multiple types. Use plant markers or labels to identify each herb and its specific care requirements.

• Pest Control Solutions: Be prepared to deal with common garden pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and snails. Consider using organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or companion planting to deter pests naturally.

By gathering these gardening essentials, you'll be well-equipped to start and maintain a thriving herb garden at home. With proper care and attention, your herb garden will flourish, providing you with an abundant supply of fresh, flavorful herbs for culinary delights and beyond!

11 IDEAS THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO FINALLY START YOUR OUTDOOR HERB GARDEN

01 | A wood box wall planter

Minimalist Joys

02 | Tiered wood plant stand with chalk labels

via Pinterest

Get the look:

03 | A corner plant stand with terracotta pots

Emily Dahl

04 | A balcony garden with various pot styles

Andrea Blosson

05 | Sharpie handwritten labels on Terra cotta pots

cottage ideas

06 | Fill a bakers rack with pretty pots

image source

07 | Wire hanging wall mounted plant stand

Elle France

08 | Hanging moss planters

Real Homes

09 | Companion planting in a flower bed

Hub Pages

Companion planting in your herb garden is a time-honored practice that offers numerous benefits for both your plants and the ecosystem as a whole. By strategically interplanting different herbs, flowers, and vegetables, you can create a harmonious environment that promotes growth, repels pests, and enhances overall plant health.

For example, certain herbs, such as basil and rosemary, emit natural compounds that deter pests and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, thereby reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Companion planting can improve soil fertility and structure by fostering symbiotic relationships between plants, such as nitrogen-fixing legumes and nutrient-absorbing root systems. By embracing companion planting techniques, you not only create a beautiful and diverse garden but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem, where plants thrive in symbiotic harmony.

10 | Opt for a layered plant look

via Pinterest

11 | Add a rack for hanging plants

By Brittanygoldwyn

Make Your Garden Shine: Simple Tips for Outdoor Bliss

What to Plant to Keep Bugs Away:

For a bug-free garden sanctuary, harness the power of plants!

• Basil's aroma wards off pesky mosquitoes and flies.

• Lavender not only adds fragrance but repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes too.

• Plant marigolds to deter aphids, mosquitoes, and even nematodes from your precious greens.

• Citronella grass emits a scent that repels mosquitoes, making it a must-have for outdoor gatherings.

• Consider planting rosemary to fend off mosquitoes and carrot flies.

7 Daily Rituals of a Soul Aligned Woman That Will Make You Unrecognizable

Looking for a list of habits to help inspire you to get your life together and become the best version of yourself? This post was specifically made for you.

As a double Capricorn, I pride myself on the ability to be self-disciplined in order to achieve a goal. It literally feels like a code that was written into my DNA. I thrive with a good structure yet at the same time, there is an aspect of me that craves a beautiful, ritualistic approach to my consistency… feels like it comes from my Libra stellium. Yes, I’m obsessed with astrology.

So it should be no surprise that I create seasonal rituals that help me to stay aligned as I move through growth and pursue my goals. In this podcast episode, I dive deep into what my current ritual situation looks like for me and also I give concrete reasons and specifics as to why you should incorporate each of these into your own growth and personal manifestation journey.

Listen to the episode here:

7 Daily Rituals of a Soul Aligned Woman That Will Make You Unrecognizable

🖤 Morning Hydration Rituals.

I have come to learn the importance of fueling your body first thing in the morning so that you can have a successful, productive, healthy and happy day. Our health is absolutely essential in order for us to thrive in our souls purpose.

Because I like to change things up versus do the same thing every single day, these are a few of things I enjoy first thing in the morning:

• Iced coffee black with no creamer

• Hot green tea with lemon

• Iced Matcha Latte with coconut milk (this sweetened one is my favorite)

• Hot water with lemon

• Green celery juice or carrot juice

🖤 Journal to Connect with Your Inner Child and Emotions.

If anyone were to ask me the single most important thing on any manifestation/personal growth journey, I would hands down say, journaling. There are so many reasons why and even more benefits but let me just give you a few of my favorites:

• scripting can help your subconscious mind create your future

• mind dumping can help clear space in your head so you can live with a bit more serenity

• morning pages can help you connect with your intuition and higher self with ease

  I have published two guided journals that are intended to help you get started with journaling and make it so much more easy to stay consistent with it. The Daily Bliss & The Blissful Living Journal.

🖤 Move your body.

Moving your body every day holds immense spiritual and physical significance. From a spiritual perspective, daily movement serves as a form of meditation, allowing you to connect with your inner self and the world around you. Whether through yoga, dance, or simply walking in nature, movement can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and foster a sense of mindfulness and presence.

Physically, regular movement is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It improves circulation, strengthens muscles and bones, and promotes flexibility and balance. Daily movement also supports mental health by releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, and enhancing cognitive function.

By honoring your body with daily movement, you not only nourish your physical vessel but also nurture your spirit, fostering harmony and vitality in mind, body, and soul.

A few of my favorite ways to move my body:

• walking

• yoga/barre/pilates

• playing tennis

• practicing sports with my child

🖤 Dress according to your highest self and chakras.

Dressing in alignment with your chakras can have profound benefits for both your physical and spiritual well-being. Each chakra is associated with specific colors and energies, and by intentionally selecting clothing that corresponds to these colors, you can support and balance the energy centers within your body. For example, wearing red clothing can stimulate the root chakra, promoting feelings of stability, security, and groundedness, while blue attire can activate the throat chakra, facilitating clear communication and self-expression.

By dressing for your chakras, you not only enhance your energetic alignment but also cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and harmony. Additionally, choosing clothing that resonates with your chakra energies can boost confidence, enhance mood, and promote a sense of inner balance and empowerment.

DRESSING UP ACCORDING TO THE CHAKRAS:

Red (Root Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Grounding, stability, security, survival instincts, physical health, vitality, connection to the earth.

Orange (Sacral Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Creativity, passion, emotional balance, sensuality, pleasure, fertility, connection to others.

Yellow (Solar Plexus Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Personal power, self-confidence, willpower, digestion, metabolism, mental clarity, courage.

Green (Heart Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Love, compassion, forgiveness, emotional healing, harmony, balance, connection to nature.

Blue (Throat Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Communication, self-expression, truthfulness, creativity, listening skills, thyroid health.

Indigo (Third Eye Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Intuition, insight, imagination, wisdom, psychic abilities, clarity of thought, vision.

Violet or Purple (Crown Chakra):

• Benefits/Healing Aspects: Spirituality, consciousness, enlightenment, connection to the divine, higher purpose, cosmic awareness.

🖤 Meditations and Self Talk Rampages.

As a life coach, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of incorporating positive self-talk rampages and meditations into your daily ritual. These practices serve as powerful tools for cultivating self-awareness, nurturing self-love, and aligning with your highest potential.

Positive self-talk rampages involve consciously directing your thoughts and words towards affirming beliefs and empowering statements. By consistently reinforcing positive messages, you can rewire your subconscious mind, overcome limiting beliefs, and cultivate a mindset of abundance and possibility. Similarly, daily meditation allows you to quiet the chatter of the mind, connect with your inner wisdom, and tap into a deeper sense of peace and clarity.

Through meditation, you can release stress, access your intuition, and cultivate a profound sense of presence and mindfulness in every moment. Together, positive self-talk rampages and meditations form a synergistic practice that supports your spiritual growth, fosters inner transformation, and empowers you to live a life aligned with your soul's purpose. By making these practices a priority in your daily routine, you open yourself up to a world of limitless potential and profound spiritual awakening.

🖤 Paying close attention to Your Intuition.

Creating a deeper connection to your intuition is paramount for navigating life with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. Your intuition serves as an inner compass, guiding you towards paths that align with your soul's desires and highest good. By cultivating a strong connection to your intuition, you gain access to a wellspring of wisdom and insight that can illuminate your path and inform your decisions. This deepened intuition allows you to discern between what truly resonates with your authentic self and what may be influenced by external expectations or fears.

Nurturing your intuitive abilities fosters a greater sense of trust in yourself and in the universe, empowering you to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence. As you learn to listen to and honor your intuition, you open yourself up to a world of infinite possibilities, guided by the wisdom of your soul.

🖤 Focus on everyday activities that make you feel good.

When you prioritize activities and choices that resonate with your inner guidance and bring you joy, you align with the flow of life and tap into your intuition. By honoring your desires and preferences, you cultivate a deeper sense of self-trust and authenticity, allowing you to live authentically and in alignment with your true essence.

When you follow what feels good, you prioritize self-care and nourish your body, mind, and soul, fostering a greater sense of balance and harmony. Embracing your feminine energy allows you to cultivate a life filled with joy, passion, and purpose, as you align with the natural rhythms of the universe and co-create your reality with love and intention.