Growing herbs on your composite deck is a great way to enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs without having to worry about dealing with dirt, weeds, or pests. Not only does it make gardening easier for you, but it also adds beauty and life to your outdoor space.
Plus, there are a plethora of different types of herbs that can be grown in containers on decks, so you have endless options when it comes to choosing which ones you want.
Transforming your composite decking area with herbs is not only easy but also rewarding as the fragrant aroma and flavor of freshly picked herbs will delight all senses!
What you Need to Grow Herbs on your Composite Deck
All you need to start your herb garden on your deck is herb seeds of your choice (or herb seedlings), seed trays or biodegradable pots, compost and potting soil, small pots or planters, and some liquid plant food. You’ll also need a watering can, a small shovel or trowel, and scissors or trimming shears for pruning.
Choosing Herbs for your Composite Deck
When it comes to choosing herbs for your composite deck, the possibilities are endless. Depending on the amount of space available and the type of containers you choose, and the season, you can select from a variety of different types of herbs.
Popular choices include oregano, thyme, mint, parsley, basil, rosemary, and lavender. However, there are many other aromatic and flavorful varieties that can be grown in containers on decks such as calendula flowers or lemon balm leaves.
Choosing the right container is also an important factor when growing herbs on your composite deck. The most suitable option for this type of environment is a plastic container with drainage holes at least 10 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate several plants comfortably without overcrowding them.
You will also need to consider what kind of soil you’ll use as well – a lightweight potting mix should give your herbs all they need to thrive in their new outdoor home! Once these factors have been taken into account then it’s time to start planting!
Choosing planters for your Composite Deck
Using planters and containers allows you to get creative with gardening and grow herbs in different places on your composite deck. You can choose to plant one type of herb per pot or grow several herbs in a large planter. Remember to choose planters that are a suitable size to avoid overcrowding and have good drainage.
Planting and Caring for your Herbs
When deciding on a location for your herbs, it’s best to find a sunny spot on your composite deck as most herbs grow well in full sun. You may decide to add planters around the edge of your deck for decoration, create a small herb garden in the corner of your composite decking, or even create a vertical planter from discarded pallets.
Once planted, water your herbs regularly but be careful not to over-water as this can cause root rot which will kill off the entire plant within days. You can also add fertilizer once per month during the growing season if desired; look for an organic option with balanced nutrients. Additionally, prune back any dead or diseased parts of the plant periodically throughout the season in order to keep it healthy and productive all summer long!
If the temperature drops to freezing in winter, move your potted herbs inside and make sure they receive plenty of natural light.
Harvesting your Herbs
Once your herbs are ripe and ready for harvesting, it is important to act quickly in order to ensure the best quality and flavor. Start by cutting each herb about 4 inches above the base of the plant using sharp scissors or a knife – this will help promote new growth on the remaining stem that can be harvested later down the line. Then, shake off any excess dirt before storing them away.
When it comes to storage, there are a few different options available depending on what type of herb you’re dealing with. For those that have woody stems such as sage or rosemary, you can cut them into smaller sprigs and then hang them upside-down in bunches from a string or wire rack until completely dry – these make great decorations too!
Alternatively, if you want to keep your herbs fresher for longer then freezing is another option; simply wash and pat dry before chopping up finely then place into ice cube trays filled with water before popping them into the freezer once frozen solid.
If all else fails then drying is an easy way to preserve herbs without needing much time or effort at all! Simply tie several stems together at one end using twine then hang them upside down in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight until they become crispy and brittle – this typically takes around two weeks depending on humidity levels so check every few days just in case! Once dried out properly store your herbs inside airtight containers lined with paper towels which will absorb any extra moisture preventing mold formation over time.
Harvesting your own homegrown herbs not only gives you access to delicious fresh ingredients but also adds beautiful color and scent to your composite decking. With some careful planning, preparation, and research anyone can enjoy growing these fragrant plants year after year.
Conclusion
Growing herbs on a sustainable wood plastic composite deck can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Not only does it provide you with access to fresh ingredients for cooking, but it also helps bring life and beauty to your outdoor space without the heavy maintenance. It’s easy to create a thriving herb garden with just the right soil, drainage, sunlight, and watering requirements.
So if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your backyard while simultaneously enjoying the fruits of your labor then look no further than harvesting homegrown herbs from your composite deck!
