Herbs: The Little Plants with Big Personalities

[TEG Project Manager]

Herbs are like the spice rack of the garden - small but mighty. A pinch of basil can transform pasta, a sprig of rosemary makes roast veggies sing, and mint… well, mint will happily take over your yard if you let it!

Some folks grow herbs for cooking, others for teas, and some just love the fragrance and beauty they add to a garden. Whether you’ve got a full herb bed, a few pots on the windowsill, or a single plant you baby like it’s your child, herbs have a way of making gardening extra rewarding.

Which herbs do you grow (or dream of growing)?
Do you have a favorite “must-have” herb for your garden?
Any tips for keeping those trickier herbs like cilantro or dill happy?

Let’s swap ideas, recipes, and maybe even a few herb survival stories. After all, every gardener has that one herb they can never quite master… or the one they couldn’t imagine gardening without!

 

[flowerbug]

i don't find dill trickier other than it has so many seeds that some eventually will grow... leave enough flowers to go to seed.

 

[digitS']

The timing of cilantro is "tricky" because it is nice to have with ripe tomatoes. Sowing cilantro seed in a late planting of sweet corn allows it to grow a little before bolting. The cilantro roots can be cleaned thoroughly and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Compromise by using the cilantro with early greens in stir-fry and use basil with your ripe tomatoes. Grow several varieties of basil !

Dill for baked fish, rosemary for beef, hot peppers ... oh, wait a minute! Peppers are vegetables ... or, are they fruits? What about lemongrass? It can be frozen. Lemongrass tied together for noodle soup . Thyme in your chicken soup, otherwise.

Mints. I may have discovered that Mojito mint is a good substitute for spearmint for one herbal tea mix. Lemon Verbena and Anise Hyssop for my favorite tea. Leave the mint outta that one. Maybe add some stevia — if'n you can keep it alive, growing and productive .

why did they name me Steve if I was to have so much trouble growing Stevia ?

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

Oregano it’s a staple in my kitchen and garden. Oregano is a popular herb due to its many popular dishes, like pizza and sauces and its valuable medicinal properties including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s strong flavor enhances many foods. Also it’s versatility with ancient and modern uses for both flavor and health, has secured its place as a well-loved herb worldwide.

 

[Dahlia]

Herbs are like the spice rack of the garden - small but mighty. A pinch of basil can transform pasta, a sprig of rosemary makes roast veggies sing, and mint… well, mint will happily take over your yard if you let it!

Some folks grow herbs for cooking, others for teas, and some just love the fragrance and beauty they add to a garden. Whether you’ve got a full herb bed, a few pots on the windowsill, or a single plant you baby like it’s your child, herbs have a way of making gardening extra rewarding.

Which herbs do you grow (or dream of growing)?
Do you have a favorite “must-have” herb for your garden?
Any tips for keeping those trickier herbs like cilantro or dill happy?

Let’s swap ideas, recipes, and maybe even a few herb survival stories. After all, every gardener has that one herb they can never quite master… or the one they couldn’t imagine gardening without!

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I always grow mint, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill, and chives. I have occasionally grown cilantro, but it definitely prefers a warmer and drier climate than we have in the PNW.