Herbs

By September 22, 2022 Herbs

 

Most garden herbs are used as flavorful additions in cooking, but other uses

include perfumes, sachets, potpourri, herbal medicinal remedies, cosmetics

and more.

 

Herbs can add texture, fragrance, color, and drama to the landscape. Some

are great as edging plants or trailing plants over rock walls, while others

make great topiaries in containers. Garden herbs are a great addition to any landscape.

 

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a tender, succulent perennial grown for

the juicy sap in its leaves. Apply the juice to minor burns, wounds or

sunburns as a soothing, cooling agent. Grow in well-drained soil in

containers in full sunlight. It may be grown in beds outdoors in tropical

areas. Avoid over-fertilization and over-watering for best growth.

Basil: Fragrant foliage makes this a popular herb used in cooking.

Many varieties such as ‘Purple Ruffles’ and ‘Spicy Globe’ are great

additions to the mixed border and the herb garden. Plant in full to

part sun in moist, well-drained soil. Plants grow 12–32″ tall depending

on the variety. Pinch back flowers to promote fuller, bushier growth.

 

Catmint: Also known as catnip, this fragrant herb is used in herbal

teas, potpourri, and cat toys. Several varieties are available with

a wide range of growth habits. The flowers are a welcome, fragrant

addition to the landscape. All should be planted in a sunny to a partially

sunny location in any moist, well-drained soil.

 

Chamomile: Feathery foliage and dainty, daisy-like blooms add

textural interest to the garden. Plant between stepping stones to make

a fragrant informal path. Commonly used to make a soothing tea, this

herb is truly a multi-purpose plant. Provide full sun in moist, neutral

alkaline soil.

 

Chives: The common garden chive is an easy-to-grow, adaptable herb

that cooks enjoy for adding a mild onion flavor to foods. The

attractive globe-shaped pink to purple flowers are both ornamental and

useful as a garnish in salads or as a flavoring for vinegar or spreads.

Plant in full sun to part shade. It may be grown indoors in containers.

 

Cilantro/Coriander: This fast-growing annual grows to 20″ and

has feathery, divided leaves that are bright green. The leaves, seeds, and

roots are used for all culinary purposes. This herb likes it hot

so it is natural for Texas gardens. Provide well-drained soil in average

soil. Avoid over-fertilization. To harvest seeds, remove the whole plant,

place it upside down in a paper bag, and hang it in a cool, dry place. Ripened

seeds should fall into the bag.

 

Dill: This popular herb is often associated with pickles of the

same name but is also a favorite in fish dishes and other cooked

dishes. Airy, feathery foliage and yellowish flowers add textural interest

to the garden. Plant this 3′ annual herb in moist soil which has been

amended with organic matter. Prefers full sun. Space 12″ apart.

 

Lavender: Most often dried for potpourri, sachets or dried

arrangements, this delightful herb can also be used fresh to flavor

jellies and other sweet dishes. Several varieties are available. Grayish

foliage and colorful flower spikes make this a great landscaping plant.

All require well-drained soil and little supplemental water. Plant in full

sun 12-18″ apart. Dry by hanging in bunches in dry, airy locations.

 

Mint: This fast-growing, spreading perennial is available in many

varieties. It is adaptable to growing conditions and performs best in

partly shaded conditions in moist soil. Mulch to conserve moisture.

It may be grown in containers. Use fresh or dried in cooking. Plant 12″

apart.

 

Oregano: Italian cooking would not be the same without adding oregano.

This warm-weather plant also makes a great

ground cover. Several varieties are available, most growing to about

12″ tall. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Pick fresh as needed or

cut whole stems to dry before flowers develop. Plant 2–3′ apart.

 

Parsley: Fresh parsley is a favorite used as a fresh or dried garnish

to flavor cooked dishes. Easily grown from seed in full sun to

part shade. Provide moderately rich, well-drained soil for best

growth. Several varieties are available. Curly parsley makes an ideal

edging plant in the garden.

 

Rosemary: Perennial evergreen shrub has fragrant foliage,

stems, and flowers. A favorite herb used for cooking and in potpourri

and wreath making. This excellent landscape plant is used as edging,

topiaries or ground cover, depending on the variety. Heat and drought-tolerant,

this is a great choice for Texas gardens. Plant in full sun.

 

Sage: Velvety leaves and colorful flower spikes in spring make this a

beautiful plant in the garden. In addition to the aesthetic qualities of

this herb, it is a favorite in cooking, especially stuffings and marinades.

Plant in full sun in soil which has been amended with plenty of organic

matter. Plant in raised beds to ensure good drainage. Several varieties

are available.

 

Thyme: Grown for both their flavorful foliage used in cooking and

their landscaping uses. Thyme is one of the most popular garden

herbs. The spreading, low-growing habit makes this an ideal choice for

edging or trailing over walls. Delicate white flowers add to the value

of this herb. Grow in well-drained, average soils. It may be used fresh

or dried.