Question by vbgore: I am about to start an herb garden, as well as grow Roma tomatoes, garlic, and a lemon tree. Any hints/tips?
Also where can I find reliable seeds?
I live in the New Orleans area by the way…humid and lots of sun/moisture.
Best answer:
Answer by amicus curiae
hi, dunno where you are. but get a book called PERMACULTURE pt 1 and 2 ( bill mollison/david holmgren) from the library. do not buy commercial hybrid seeds. seed savers has real seeds that will grow the next year if you save them. they are online! in australia i recommend Diggers Seeds they are online too!
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First of all — what climate zone are you in? This will tell you when the last frost date is for your area. Important to know for planting. any garden store can give you this info.
Lemon trees need lots of heat. Plant on south facing fence (to reflect the heat). If you get frost in your area, you will need to cover your tree in the winter (easier to do if you plant a DWARF lemon). I usually put a string of Christmas lights inside for extra warmth. Keep snails off your tree. Water regularly.
You can buy plants in 4″ pots for your herb garden. Be sure you know which ones are invasive (plant in a pot or planter where they can’t get away from you), which ones are perennial (think about where you are putting them since they will come back each year) and which ones are annuals. Pick herbs that you know you will use. I have parsley, basil, cilantro, thyme and oregano.
Roma tomatoes are delicious. They usually take a little longer to get ripe (they need the warmth), but they usually put out LOTS of tomatoes! Be sure to stake them when you plant them.
Good Luck!!
Keep the tomatoes under very close control, they will pop up everywhere for the term of your natural life.
As for herb gardens most will do well in your area. Some will need less light others more. Unfortunately the instructions on the packets are more or less guidelines. Garlic does not need seed. You can buy some fresh garlic at the store and take each clove and plant it in the ground. I have no idea about lemon trees but in your climate they should do well. Roma tomatoes you can either get seeds or buy at the grocery store some maters and plant the seeds, I do know that parsley does really well around roses and can get very big like 3 feet tall.
Soil and fertilizer is key when planting any garden.