Last year I veered from my tradition of planting herbs in containers. I had a little extra space in my side yard garden and had run out of dirt, so I just plopped the little plants in the garden. It turned out to be a happy little solution, because not only did the herbs grow beautifully in that garden, but they returned this summer. I know that it has to do with the fact that we live in zone 5 in the hardiness planting zone, so even though everything freezes, it isn't as hard of a freeze as other areas in the United States. (Not sure what zone you live in? Check out this link to the National Gardening Association.)
So what came back? Chives (they'll come back in zones 3 and 4 too), Sage, Oregano, and Thyme. Basil isn't hardy enough to come back, but I planted Rosemary, Mint and Stevia this summer with hopes of them returning next year as well. Having herbs in with the rest of the plants adds interest to the garden and provides a little ground cover as well.
What are your must-plant herbs?
You may want to put your mint into a container. It will come back, but it is prolific for taking over gardens and yards (It spreads through a root system under the ground).
ReplyDeleteBe careful my mint took over my bed. I had to dig it all up and plant it in a container to keep it under control =)
ReplyDeleteOh snap ;) Didn't see Tracy's Comment...oops.
ReplyDeleteBasil and cilantro...gotta have both all summer long if I can!!! Pesto and Salsa!!! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteSteph
www.alwaysjustamom.blogspot.com
I absolutely ADORE fresh dill. My current favorite is a shorter variety called Fernleaf Dill-it's perfect for a smaller garden space. There's nothing like lots of fresh dill in a summer potato salad, or in a sauce over grilled salmon. Yum!
ReplyDelete~DG
I agree about the mint. Keep it contained by itself. Also, while cilantro is not perennial, it will go to seed and resow itself, so you won't have to plant it next year. It will just be in other spots in the garden. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips on the mint....I think I'll pop that out and put it in a pot.
ReplyDeletexo, Becky
Gotta have me some basil. Even if I don't get to cook with it a lot, I keep it in the kitchen so I can smell it :-)
ReplyDeleteDitto what Tracy said. My friend clued me into that so I planted my mint in a plastic bucket in the dirt (cut out the bottom). I planted all the herbs you did, but my must-haves are basil, rosemary, and mint.
ReplyDeleteParsley will often survive the winter -- but your stevia most likely will not. It generally likes to be kept in a warm environment -- but if you pot it, you can grow it indoors when it gets cooler and have your source of sweetness all year old. But after about 2-3 years, you'll either need to get a new plant or take some cuttings because it will eventually start to lose its sweetness.
ReplyDeleteoo what a great selection of herbs you are growing :) basil is the one for me, that has to be planted every year - heh.
ReplyDeleteMy great uncle shared this mint tip with me... Just like everyone said put it in a container. But if you want to have it in the ground, take a five gallon bucket and cut the bottom out. Dig your hole, put the bucket in flush with rest of soil, fill back in and replant. His Mint is gorgeous! So thick and full! Wish this trick worked with all plants!
ReplyDeleteI'm a basil and dill girl! I actually freeze my basil for winter use, which encourages summer growth. When your basil looks good, pull the leaves off and stick in a ziploc bag and freeze. This will encourage new growth.
Enjoy your herbs. Looks great!
That was an interesting gardening site you led me to. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo I just researched Stevia, how do you use it? Like a mint? Just cut up a little and drop in?
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia!
ReplyDeleteYou can use it with mint to sweeten naturally - we like to eat it plain out of the garden - more like a novelty herb. The kids love it!