Herb Garden

[echokilo]

I have a shaded flower bed I would like to use as a herb garen - will they thrive? It's nice and sheltered but little sun

[agardner09]

Hi Echokilo.I'm surprised you've not got anyone to raise their heads above the parapet on this. The simple answer is as with most gardening ventures suck it and see. Some will thrive, at least those that thrive anywhere, others do need more light. Mint of course will grow anywhere, in fact you plant some and within a growing season you'll probably have a mint garden and nothing else!
Chives too are pretty easy as is oregano and tarragon. Sage I've always found a problem to keep for any time but that other thyme is pretty easy too. Parsley I've found difficult to germinate but once started that's fine.
I suggest you grow the easier ones in your bed and grow the less easy in pots, taking care to provide enough water as pots dry out surprisingly quick.
The exception should be the mint which I would also grow in several large pots to contain it and cutting them back in turn when they grow leggy.

[Booldawg]

+1 for mint and chives. We've had some in a pot for about 3 years left outside. They come back every year.