A compost bin can be made from a trash can by drilling holes every 6 to 10 inches on all sides, throwing in leave clippings, shredded newspaper, fruits and vegetables, and keeping the compost covered. Mix the compost heap to aerate the soil with information from a sustainable gardener in this  video on gardening.

When pruning tomatoes after a hot day, prune off some of the dead leaves and stems, and water them thoroughly at night once they’ve had a chance to cool down. Maintain a tomato plant to increase fruit production with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this video on gardening.

When pruning weigela, trim back only one-third of the overall plant, leaving a bit of new growth to encourage more blossoms the following year. Maintain a weigela plant with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this video on gardening.

I remember that back in the day folks did all their gardening by ordering their seeds from a catalog. I’m sure a few people still pour over the seed catalogs. Those days are long gone now. I do not have the time to wait the month or more for germination. Do you?

It is that same old story, some herb plants work better than others when you start from seeds. Take the dill plant, for example, it grows like a weed and matures quickly too. Germination for the dill plant is a cinch. On the other hand, you’ll already be in herb gardener retirement when your thyme herb finally matures. Annuals are usually grown from seeds, as are some perennials. Since perennials come back every year, they are real bargains for your budget.

I prefer not to start my perennial herb plants in a seed tray or in a regular herb garden bed; instead, I use a pot. They take a while to get going, so it is important that they have room to thrive and not face competition from other herb plants or even weeds. It only takes about 3 to four weeks for most perennials to germinate.

Depending on the climate where you live, you may be able to plant both your annual herb plants and perennial herb plants at the same time, any time of the year. If you live in a colder climate, plant your annuals in the spring, summer or fall—all will do well.

If you’re going to raise from seeds, you cannot miss with these:

• Anise: Also known as the hyssop, the anise plant has a nice licorice aroma and has almost iridescent purple, green and blue notched leaves and spiked blossoms of blue and purple. Most people use anise as a flavoring in many dinners and in teas. You can also use it in your potpourri. It’s best to start your perennial anise early, up to 8 weeks before you plan to move it outside

• Caraway: Do not let its strange appearance fool you. This herb, with its nut-like licorice flavor is serious business. Use it in your German foods, including soups, stews and krauts. The most often used part of the caraway is the seed, but the root is also edible. To have a longer growing season with this biennial, begin your plant indoors from seeds at least 6 weeks before you plan to move it outdoors.

• Coneflower: Add coneflower to your herb garden if you’re looking for a perennial that is a cinch to care for. Although many people call it a wildflower, it’s an herb because of its healing benefits. The healing name for the coneflower is Echinacea, which will hold your allergies at bay and keep your immune system strong.

It can take about 6 weeks for your herbs to sprout, get hardy and be ready to go outside in either containers or beds. This is especially helpful if you live in cold-weather climates—it will give you a jumpstart on the growing season.

Perennials do really well in warm locations. If you live in a warm climate, you can start them anytime.

Sowing seeds for your annuals is pretty easy. Just break up the ground a little and sprinkle the seeds on that location and cover lightly with sod. If you choose your herbs wisely, you can get all self-sowers, which can come back next season from the seeds they “sow” this season.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Herb Garden Kits. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.

You can bring a new image to your balcony by adding a few potted herb plants. Using pots is helpful because you can easily change their place as you experiment with the quality and amount of sun they get. If you raise your balcony herb plants in pots, they are portable—so you can bring them indoors at the end of the season.

Balconies are all about sunlight and you will want to go with herbs like morning glories that grow well with a lot of sunshine. Morning glories are fabulous because they will handle the bright reflection from your windows and also all the heat that a metal balcony will generate. Check out your balcony at different times of the day to see the quality of sunshine, the heat and the intensity. Check to see which way your balcony faces and whether it gets more morning or afternoon sun.

A principle for balcony plants would include any herb with a thick leaf or a velvety texture as well as any plant that is gray or silver. They will do well because they lose less water in evaporation.

Try some of these fantastic herb plants on your balcony:

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is an easy plant to grow. It tolerates the sun very well and needs minimal watering. You can use aloe vera easily by snipping off the tip and rubbing it on a burn or other skin problem. It is sticky, but you’ll feel better in no time!

• Cayenne pepper: If you grill out on your balcony, imagine being able to break off a pieces of cayenne pepper to add to your next meal. With a bright pop of color, cayenne pepper can be awesome on your balcony.

• Cucumber: A trailing vine, like a cucumber, can provide an added touch to your balcony. You can also use cucumbers in cosmetics—think facials! Being able to add some cucumber to your salad is a lovely touch too.

• Hens-and-chicks: These are among my most favorite plants. These do not require a lot of watering—they are water-holding succulents—and will tolerate the hot temperature and bright sunshine that you might have on your balcony. They are adorable to look at too!

• Lavender: Just one whiff of the soothing smell of this fragrant herb and you will be more at ease. The brilliant purple buds will make a colorful balcony even better.

Select a collection of interesting pots for your balcony or use a hanging basket lined with a coconut husk for good outcomes. I once made my own balcony basket with chicken wire and moss. It was my first try at something like that. It wasn’t fantastic, but it worked. The key is to choose a pot or basket that will allow for good drainage.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Windowsill Herb Garden. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.