People everywhere want to live a healthier and more natural lifestyle. That’s where herbs can come in. The health benefits can be immense, and the tastes and smells are unforgettable. With a herb business specializing in culinary herbs, you can turn a backyard hobby into a profitable business. And it’s quite easy too.
After preparing your growing area – ideally a raised bed with a mini-greenhouse to give your plants a head start in the spring – you’re ready to put together a potting soil mix. If you use 6 inch pots, which are highly recommended (larger plants equal larger profits) you’ll be able to use about 400 pots in a 40 inch by 30 foot bed. For a mini-greenhouse/raised bed of that size, this mixture is recommended:
- 8 cubic feet topsoil
- 8 cubic feet washed sand
- 4 cubic feet perlite
- 12 cubic feet peat moss
- 10 pounds dolomite lime
- 10 pounds dry organic fertilizer
Now you’re ready to begin growing culinary herbs. First, you need to decide which ones you’d like to grow. Pick a select few. Feel free to experiment until you find the ones that work for you. Here are some of the most popular culinary herbs:
Basil – basil is the most popular culinary herb. When starting out, it’s recommended you stick to the common sweet basil variety. It’s a very tender plant, so it should not be put outdoors until you are sure it is safe from frost danger.
Chives – when picking the best chives to grow, it’s recommended you use the varieties that have “eye appeal.” “Staro” is one of my favorites, as it has thicker leaves. These are fairly easy to grow and after about a week, the plants will start to germinate. Unlike basil, they can actually continue to do well in cooler weather.
Cilantro – this will be a popular one at your local farmer’s market. It is also used to maintain digestive health. Cilantro grows best in a cool environment.
Oregano – oregano is one of the most popular herbs in Italian cooking. It is also used as a garnish for stews, soups, and gravies. Go ahead, try to resist that unforgettable taste!
Plan on watering about once a day, preferably in the morning. You’ll generally fertilize the plants by applying a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion as a foliar spray. It’s an organic fertilizer – important to many buyers!
After your plants are grown, you’re ready to begin selling at backyard sales, garage sales, fundraisers, and the local farmer’s market. You’ll find the spot that works best for you. Hand out a flyer advertising your herbs and your prices and also include a tasty recipe.
You’re on your way to success in the culinary herb business. You can taste the profits rolling in. It might take a little trial and error, but you’ll soon find what works best for you and what can make you the most money. Whatever you do, have fun with it and your customers will too. Learn more in Start Your Own Backyard Plant Nursery.