Hello;
I am planting an herb garden for my family. It measures 12'x12'. We are located in SC, USA. This map shows our hardiness zone, but I am not sure what this means as some maps show us as low as 5 and others use an 8 minimum. This one has temperatures.
http://www.clemson.edu/hort/images/schrdmap.jpg
I am modeling the garden so that I can get an idea of root ball size and plant height so that this will be pleasing to look at as well as beneficial. We will be planting mostly edibles, though we may mix in some aromatics. This is a raised bed. Mints will be grown elsewhere, (preferably 3 or 4 blocks away. It shouldn't take a day or two to reach our yard :) ).
I need a website that will give me information on root ball size and height. This will give me some accurate modeling data to look at. If you happen to know of any AutoCAD modeled plants, that would be totally awesome.
She wants Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Basil, Cilantro, Lemon Grass (maybe balm if it is not hardy), Marjoram, Parsley, Dill and (Ugh) Mint.
Mainly, I am looking for the rootball volume and potential plant height.
By the way, I am planting in clay/sand. about 85% sand by volume. 18" + deep with Red clay below. I am amending the soil with 5 year old fines from an old mulch pile. I will be putting 1 wheel barrow full (1/2 to 3/4 yard?) per 3'x3' area and turning to about 12" by shovel. My tiller broke.
There is 0 nutrient value in this clay/sand. It is more of a construction soil. Packs like a rock with just a small amount of water. That's why I am ammending it. Also placing some old oak leaves that were on top of the mulch pile.
Any answers and assistance will be greatly appreciated. Also any winter herbs that may be useful would be great. I would like this to be a winter garden. I can add other areas for perennials(?).
Thank you and God Bless.
Have a Great Day.
Frank Pytel
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Hi Frank!
You got a GREAT answer(s) from Anne!
However, that was a BIG question!
I have provided a line that I think you will enjoy.
If you really are into Herbs, Spices and Medicinal plants there are some very good books available at the library (or even Amazon Com)
Please see the link, below:
.
I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your main question about size of roots, but I did want to encourage you to add a ton of compost to your sandy soil. The pine mulch will help, but I would also encourage you to have the soil tested at the local extension service in the spring when the oak leaves and all have composted some. The extension service will also help you figure out your actual growing zone.
Also, plant that lemon balm down the street with the mint. It is a real garden thug. I love the smell of it, but it self seeds like crazy and is hard to get rid of once established. Also, it gets huge. I grew some lemon grass this year but I don't expect it to survive the winter in zone 5/6.
Don't know about getting herbs to 'grow' outside in the winter. Many will survive: rosemary, thyme, parsley probably in SC, sage.
Generally, I would allow 2 feet per plant.
Another lovely herb to think about is pineapple sage. It is a really attractive plant and has such a nice smell.
Good luck & have fun.
Call the State Agricultural Extension Office in your area.They can tell you everything you need to know.Will refer you too websites or send you pamplets on what you are interested in.You can find the number in your phone book under Agriculture or State Government Services.If there are any Museum /Gardens in your beautiful state of South Carolina you can visit or call to get ideas too.They are usually very helpful.Both will know what works in your particular area.