Starting a medicinal herb garden is a rewarding endeavor! Here’s a list of my recommended tools for herb gardener to help you get started and maintain a thriving garden:
This page contains affiliate links. Read our full disclosure.
1. Essential Gardening Tools
- Hand Trowel
- For planting small herbs and digging in tight spaces.
- Pruning Shears (Secateurs)
- For trimming and harvesting herbs without damaging the plants.
- Garden Gloves
- Protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and sharp edges.
- Watering Can or Hose with a Gentle Spray Nozzle
- Herbs prefer consistent moisture, so a gentle watering method is key.
- Garden Fork or Spade
- For turning soil and preparing garden beds.
- Weeding Tool
- A hand weeder or hoe to keep weeds under control.
- Soil pH Tester
- Medicinal herbs often have specific pH preferences, so testing your soil is helpful.
- Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
- For moving soil, compost, or plants around your garden.
2. Soil and Planting Supplies
- High-Quality Potting Soil or Compost
- Herbs thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
- Organic Fertilizer
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nourish your plants.
- Mulch (e.g., Straw, Wood Chips, or Leaves)
- Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Seed Trays or Starter Pots
- For starting herbs from seeds indoors or in a greenhouse.
- Plant Labels or Markers
- Keep track of your herbs, especially when they’re young.
3. Specialized Tools for Medicinal Herbs
- Drying Rack or Dehydrator
- For drying herbs after harvest to preserve their medicinal properties.
- Glass Jars or Airtight Containers
- Store dried herbs in a cool, dark place to maintain potency.
- Mortar and Pestle or Herb Grinder
- For preparing dried herbs for teas, tinctures, or salves.
- Pruning Snips or Scissors
- For precise harvesting of leaves, flowers, or stems.
4. Optional but Helpful Tools
- Grow Lights
- If starting seeds indoors or growing herbs in low-light conditions.
- Rain Barrel
- Collect rainwater for eco-friendly watering.
- Compost Bin
- Create your own compost to enrich your soil naturally.
- Plant Supports or Trellises
- For vining or tall herbs like hops or passionflower.
- Garden Journal
- Track planting dates, growth progress, and harvest times.
5. Herb-Specific Supplies
- Seed Starting Mix
- A lightweight mix for germinating herb seeds.
- Rooting Hormone
- For propagating herbs like rosemary or lavender from cuttings.
- Essential Oil Distiller (Optional)
- If you’re interested in extracting oils from herbs like mint or lavender.
Tips for Success
- Research Your Herbs: Different medicinal herbs have unique growing requirements (e.g., sunlight, water, soil type).
- Start Small: Focus on a few easy-to-grow herbs like chamomile, lavender, peppermint, or echinacea.
- Plan Your Layout: Group herbs with similar needs together (e.g., Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer drier soil).
- Harvest Regularly: Pruning encourages growth and keeps plants healthy.
With these tools and a bit of dedication, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving medicinal herb garden!