An organic herb farm can be rewarding financially,

physically, and emotionally. Even a small organic herb farm can produce
a good harvest. You can use the herbs yourself, or sell them for profit
at a farmer's market. You will want to plan, of course. You will need
to learn a number of things before getting started with an organic herb
farm.

Organic Herb Farm Plans

Organic herb farm
plans begin with determining how large a space you will allot to
growing organic herbs. Herbs do not require as much space as many
organic vegetables require. You can reap a good harvest in a small
space.

You will want to plan, too, what types of herbs you will plant. There are three main categories.

1. Culinary – herbs valued for their taste

2. Medicinal – herbs valued for healing power

3. Scented – herbs valued for their fragrance

Organic
herb farm plans often use all three, but some limit the farm to one
type. Some organic herb farms grow only one herb. Think about whether
there are any organic herbs you consider "must-haves" and whether there
are some you really do not want to grow.

Once you have decided on
space and the type of organic herbs you will grow, you need to test
your soil. Is it chalky, clay, loam, or sandy? The type of soil you
have will play a part in your organic herb farm plans. Test it, or have
it tested so that you know. Determine whether the soil is well drained.
Is the location sunny, shady, or mixed sun and shade? Will parts of
your organic herb farm be exposed to wind?

Organic Herb Farm Layout

Your
organic herb farm plans will need to include a layout. Use graph paper,
or a computer program with a graph. On your graph paper, mark north and
south. Then draw in the basic shape of your planned farm. Use a key.
For example, 1 square on the graph equals 1 square yard. Draw any
buildings, walls, ponds, streams, trees, or other obstacles. Indicate
how tall the trees are, since this will affect sunlight. Indicate areas
that are especially damp or dry.

Use your farm layout to select
seeds or healthy herb plants. You can buy bulk organic herb seeds,
sometimes at wholesale prices. Consider your soil and climate in
selecting plants or seeds. Most nurseries or farm suppliers can give
you guidance in these matters.

You may want to arrange plants
according to color, If soil, sun, shade, and wind conditions allow. Or
you may group organic herbs that offer benefits to one another on the
farm. Here are three examples of good groups.

1. Germander, lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme

2. Cilantro, lemon balm, lemon verbena, oregano, parsley, and thyme

3. Basil, mint, oregano, and thyme

Organic
herbs are among the most beneficial plants you can grow. The plants
will attract insects to your organic herb farm. Count on the help of
bees, birds, and butterflies to enhance pollination and increase
harvest.

Your organic herb farm plans should take advantage of
the fact that those who grow organic herbs create a beautiful
landscape, teeming with wildlife.