Magickal Gardening
Witches have been growing herbs for centruies, so they have learned many procedures for effective magickal gardening.
When seedlings are well-established, other uninvited platns will probably try to join them. Let some of these grow, provided they don't crowd your herbs, for many will be useful in magic.
There are specific pruning rules. All pruning should take place in the decrease of the Moon. Hedges (such as Hawthorn, which was once in every witches garden) should always be trimmed from East to West, which follows the course of the sun. Prune trees in clock-wise directions as you walk around them.
Thistles can be a bit of a bother in the garden. If you cut them after Midsummer two will grow for every one you cut. Be sure to cut them well before June 21.
Once a month after the herbs are fully grown, on the night of the Full Moon if possible, walk out to the garden and draw a circle in the dirt around each plant, using your magickal knife. Make sure that the ends of the circles meet. Draw clockwise. This helps seal the power within the leaves and roots.
Also, go out at night when the herbs are basking in the light of the Moon and talk to them. Never neglect this, for it creates a bond between you.