Herb gardening.

[tsmba]

I thought it would be interesting to hear how many of you are growing herbs.
I have limited space so mine are in pots or half-barrel planters. My summer "must haves" are: parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Availability from stores is somewhat spotty around here and often the best culinary varieties aren't available, so I started ordering seed last year.

I've had good luck with basil and have a couple varieties going. Chervil is also easy to grow and its something the store never has. I have heard parsley is difficult to start from seed, but I'd like to try. Hopefully next year I'll get in gear and start my plants indoors so they're ready to go when the frost danger is past.

Some others I've grown are: summer savory, lavender, tarragon, and oregano. The mints are easy to grow, but I keep them in pots to keep them from taking over a flower bed!

[steveo]

I also love to keep herbs in the garden.I find they have become an everyday part of our family's cooking.Oregano,Marjoram,Thyme and Rosemary outside and always a pot of Basil on the kitchen windowsill.Basil is my current favourite.Happy cooking!!!:thumbup:

[tsmba]

I agree...basil is a "must have" in summer! It turns brown quickly, so its something you gotta have a plant in order to get it at its best.
It takes some adjustment to learn to use fresh herbs, but once you've tried them, nothing compares!

[burningdarkness]

There's nothing like fresh herbs. I've got a pot of Greek oregano and a pot of tricolor sage. I'm growing dill, lavender, and basil from seed this year.

[cthip]

this is something i've always wanted to do--is it difficult to grow herbs (for a guy who has never grown ANYTHING before)? is it as simple as getting a plant or seeds, put them in a pot, make sure they get light and water?

apologies in advance for the noob-ish questions

[TimmyBoston]

I've got thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano and mint. I usually have some jalapenos growing as well. The main reason I grow my own is financial. It is so much cheaper than buying fresh ones at the grocery store.

[Emmett]

this is something i've always wanted to do--is it difficult to grow herbs (for a guy who has never grown ANYTHING before)? is it as simple as getting a plant or seeds, put them in a pot, make sure they get light and water?

apologies in advance for the noob-ish questions

YES it is that simple! Go for it, man. You will love it. :thumbup:

[Luc]

I think chives are very easy to grow also...

Basil is a must. I got some at the market this week. The leaves are the size of my hand, just like in Italy... Those are awesome, 4 leaves and I can do a whole spaghetti pot!

I am currently growing orange chili. That thing is unkillable... I left it in the sun, it dried up. I took all the chilies and leaves off, almost a month later, the leaves are slowly re-growning... I can't wait to have chilies again has I eat some daily!

[mdunn]

I think chives are very easy to grow also...

Basil is a must. I got some at the market this week. The leaves are the size of my hand, just like in Italy... Those are awesome, 4 leaves and I can do a whole spaghetti pot!

I am currently growing orange chili. That thing is unkillable... I left it in the sun, it dried up. I took all the chilies and leaves off, almost a month later, the leaves are slowly re-growning... I can't wait to have chilies again has I eat some daily!

I grew chillis at my old place. Bloody fantastic to be able to lean out the window and cut some fresh ones for my food.

[Luc]

I grew chillis at my old place. Bloody fantastic to be able to lean out the window and cut some fresh ones for my food.

That's what I do, I need to get another plant since it's not growing fast enough:eek:

[dixee6]

I have rosemary, greek oregano, genovese basil, chives and spearmint. Herb gardens are excellent for the kitchen! Fresh rosemary, salt pepper and and garlic and maybe some onion slices aswell with red potatoes, in foil, on the grill or in the oven! MMMmmmmmmmm mmmmm!:thumbup:

[rmrdaddy]

We have a little herb garden right outside the door to the florida room. Well, it WAS little...
The rosemary is a bush now, it's probably 2 1/2 feet tall now and 3 feet wide. It started as a 10 inch plant in a 3 inch pot that Mrs. Daddy bought somewhere. There is also sage, lemon thyme, chives, and oregano. Mrs Daddy also has catnip in 2 or 3 places, she likes to treat the cats with it once in a while.
The other thing I went and did was plant peppermint and spearmint. Yep, you guessed it, in the open ground...let's just say I ALWAYS take mojito fixins to summer parties...:eek:

[tsmba]

I'd say they're very easy to grow. Parsley and dill are easy to find and practically fool-proof. Just plant them in a pot with nice soil, don't over-water (I always test with my finger), let 'em get a good start, then keep them trimmed so they don't go to seed.
I've never been able to keep rosemary alive all winter indoors. My sister lives in SC and it winters outside.

[letterk]

Dill, parsley, chives, basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, sage, and probably more I can't remember.

Our garden has grown to probably 750 sq ft, now. We're growing just about everything.

[tsmba]

Wow, John, you have it made with all that space! Still, the cool thing about herbs is anyone can grow them, regardless of their location. You may not be able to grow enough to keep yourself in pesto, but you can still have fun.
I've noticed a small self-contained herb garden advertised. It has a plant light attached to the growing container and everything else included.

[letterk]

Wow, John, you have it made with all that space! Still, the cool thing about herbs is anyone can grow them, regardless of their location. You may not be able to grow enough to keep yourself in pesto, but you can still have fun.
I've noticed a small self-contained herb garden advertised. It has a plant light attached to the growing container and everything else included.

Well, at 7500 sq ft, our lot is probably small compared to the rest of the country. But it's slightly above average for Southern California. We've done a lot of work to give us growing space. We've even ripped out a lot of the previous landscaping and replaced it with more interesting and often times edible alternatives.

And yes, the cool thing about herbs is the ability to grow them in pots. The majority of our herbs are actually grown in pots because we find they do better. And it leaves more room for the pumpkin and corn! :lol:

[blantyre]

Chives, parsley, sage, thyme, mint (it's easy, honestly), rosemary. I usually use the chives, parsley and mint fresh and dry the others for winter use.

[behrendprof]

Lessee...tricolor, purple and standard sage, two sorts of basil, three sorts of thyme, lovage (very large plant but outstanding for soups), oregano, parsley, winter and summer savory, rosemary, peppermint, lemon balm.

In the other sorts of herb catagory: lots of lavender, rue, horehound, southernwood, chamomile, bergamot, anise hyssop.

My wife and I built a knot garden last year - about 1000 sf for herbs and perennials.

[xgunterx]

I only have herbs in pots right now because the garden will be completely redesigned.

You should also try Tropaeolum majus (Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress or Monks Cress).
See a link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropaeolum_majus) to wikipedia.
It is an ideal one year plant to cover the compost and is actually quite attractive (http://images.google.be/images?hl=nl&um=1&q=oost-indische+kers&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=21).

The 'entire' plant is edible (leaves, flowers and the seeds). The young leaves and flowers are more spicy than rocket salad.
Actually, they tast between a radish and watercress.
The seeds are even more tasteful and can be used as a substitute for caper.

[tsmba]

This year, I'm trying "edible flowers". I have nastertiums (sp?) in a big planter and they seem to be doing well. I started them from seed I got in my last order from JH Scheepers.
From what I've read, they have a "peppery" taste and are a great garnish.

[letterk]

I only have herbs in pots right now because the garden will be completely redesigned.

You should also try Tropaeolum majus (Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress or Monks Cress).
See a link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropaeolum_majus) to wikipedia.
It is an ideal one year plant to cover the compost and is actually quite attractive (http://images.google.be/images?hl=nl&um=1&q=oost-indische+kers&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=21).

The 'entire' plant is edible (leaves, flowers and the seeds). The young leaves and flowers are more spicy than rocket salad.
Actually, they tast between a radish and watercress.
The seeds are even more tasteful and can be used as a substitute for caper.

OK, that's on the my list now. Very cool.

[tsmba]

Anyone ever grow shallots? I'm wondering if they'd be suitable for small spaces. I love having them, but they're not sold in my small town. When I do find them, they're pricey.

[letterk]

Anyone ever grow shallots? I'm wondering if they'd be suitable for small spaces. I love having them, but they're not sold in my small town. When I do find them, they're pricey.

I'm sure you could. We're growing onions and they don't take up too much space.

[Tone deaf]

If you want more Rosemary plants it is an easy plant to propagate, just take a 3" cutting of new growth just below a leaf joint, trim off lower leaves and stick in a pot of poor sandy soil to get them going. Now is about the right time at least it is here in the UK.

[Crouse229]

Basil's the only true herb i have. I'm mostly peppers and tomatoes. I've got a crop of habaneros that should be ready soon...

[tsmba]

I'm liking the chervil this summer. Before, I've had it in a pot and it hasn't done so well. This year, I planted some in a half whiskey barrel in partial shade and its going to town.
It has a subtle flavor and makes a very pretty garnish.

[ScotPomp]

i always have some dill on the go, summer or winter (summer i grow the big stuff, varieties like "Herkules" which are vigorous and deep blue/green with great flavour; winter i grow dwarf varieties like "Bouquet" which is designed for windowsill pots).....i also always have basil growing, usually Genovese Basil (strongest perfume & flavour) and because i live in a cool maritime climate (Scotland) this is always grown on a sunny windowsill...

for something unusual, grow Purslane: juicy succulent leaves and stems, can be used in a salad (mild flavour) or cooked (they contain a natural mucilage which thickens when cooked, like Okra)....thrives in hot, dry sandy soil...here i grow outdoors in a dry sunny corner

[pablo_h]

I'm liking the chervil this summer. Before, I've had it in a pot and it hasn't done so well. This year, I planted some in a half whiskey barrel in partial shade and its going to town.
It has a subtle flavor and makes a very pretty garnish.
I've heard of chevril, but never seen it or come across a recipe needing it.
Apparently it's one of the main french ones, I heard about it while looking up tarragon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fines_herbes

I grow sweet basil, parsley, thyme, thai basil, mint, coriander, oregano and chives.
Herbs are easier to grow than anything else, so if I'm having a bad season in the garden I at least get some of them happening.
I just plant heaps of seeds in different locations, some in pots, some in the ground, some in full sun, some in partial shade, and at least afew will work out, giving me enough herbs to use. I wish vegetables were that simple!

edit: I forgot lemon basil. That stuff is great chopped and put into garden salads. Decent lemon flavor and basil sweetness and makes a plain salad taste like it was dressed with lemon juice/zest.

[gollum83]

Anyone ever grow shallots? I'm wondering if they'd be suitable for small spaces. I love having them, but they're not sold in my small town. When I do find them, they're pricey.

No, but I hear they grow a lot like garlic, which means they should grow just about anywhere. They require more space though, something like 5 to 6 inches apart as they're supposed to form multiple bulbs from a single clove.

[grimlad]

I too have a garden. I almost always have thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary and a variety or two of mint. My wife is a great cook and fresh herbs are a necessity! :drool:
I am looking to try peppers soon.

Sean

[eyebright]

i've got Italian genovese basil, greek oregano, stevia, chives, thyme, parsley, lemon balm, lemon verbena, german chamomile, spearmint, chocolate mint, apple mint, lavender, aloe vera (in a pot), comfrey, thai basil, holy basil, and calendula. tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, several different types of hot peppers, eggplant, acorn squash, green beans, Indian red carrots....so far! This is what I've fit into three 3 x 5 raised beds, and alongside a path.

[ouch]

I used to grow too many, and found myself with herbs for which I had no recipe. Now I'm more than satisfied to stick with a few basics that will actually get used. It's hard to go wrong with oregano, basil, cilantro, and thyme, while rosemary, chives, sage, and tarragon are welcome additions.

[Brodirt]

Hebs: Basil, Thai Basil, parsely, mint, chives, lavender, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, sage and horseradish.

Veggies: 1/2 doz. various tomatoes, peas, lettuce, zuccini, summer squash, brussels sprouts (a flyer this year), jalapeno, habanero, japanese eggplant and cucumbers.

I have grown garlic in the past with success, I have never tried shallots though. There are a few scallions from 2 years ago too. I am waiting for them to reproduce before I harvest them. I'm going for a big clump like with chives.

[joto]

We're renovating our weed-infested flower beds, so the herb garden is on the back burner for a season unless I stop being so lazy and container-grow a few. One really cool one I love to have growing is my bay 'tree' (more of a shrub really). They're hard to find and grow from seed, but I got one from:

http://mountainvalleygrowers.com/launobilis.htm

It's $6.25 these days. Of course, the minimum order is six plants, and then they hit you with the shipping charges so you end up with about six plants for $50. The plants are great and they have some interesting, slightly unusual stuff, so if you're interested you could treat it as an opportunity to try some different stuff. Their shipping, service, and plants have been top notch for me so far.

It took a few years to hit harvestable size (comes 4-6" tall), but its beautiful and delicious. We live in zone four, so it's a container plant here that comes in for the winter. Easy to care for too- I apparently over-fertilized it and half the leaves died off, but the plant is growing another full, healthy set as we speak. I hope it recovers from my mistreatment!

[tsmba]

I've always thought it would be fun to have a bay laurel but they don't grow here. As far as recipes for herbs...I end up putting them in just about anything. Even if they don't "go", they make fine garnishes and impress the hell out of anyone unaccustomed to them.

[joto]

I've always thought it would be fun to have a bay laurel but they don't grow here.

They grow great in containers. Mine is only about 3 feet tall, including the pot. I leave it outside 2-3 seasons a year depending on the weather, and bring it in in the winter and colder months of the others. No problem at all.

[Roman414]

I have rosemary and chamomile growing wild out by the sidewalk, like weeds. I just step out the door and pick some when I want it. My wife is the gardener, she has all sorts of veggies and herbs growing in her little plot. I startd my own little container garden in pots on a table in the patio. I have jalapenos and cherry tomatos, and they are all doing fine. I have so many jalapenos coming in, I am going to have to learn how to can them or pickle them or something. No way I am going to be able to eat that many.

[molly]

I used to have the usual parsley basil rosemary in the garden (back home), when I get back there (overseas at the moment) want to grow some more medicinal ones, andrographis (can vouch for this for cold cures, well only tried it in tablet form - but natural should work), chamomile etc

[DMac]

well, thanks to you guys, yesterday I potted mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and tarragon. I know it's a little late in the season, but I'm gonna give it a go anyway. Thanks for the info!

[Carnivore]

Having a big field of basil is great when you want to make a quick pesto. Delicious fast dinner.

Have you considered Asian greens like bok choi or tatsoi? I had a lot of fun growing them when I had a garden. (I have to get another one set up for Spring this year)

I also tried a green called sorrel, which has a great lemony flavor.

I'm sure someone has mentioned this before, if not in this thread, but the square foot gardening concept is pretty neat. It allows you to keep a lot of plants growing in a small space that is easy to care for.

As for seed suppliers, I have used Johnny's Seeds (http://www.johnnyseeds.com), and they're great. They'll answer your questions over the phone, have a great selection, and have excellent post-order customer service. I forgot to add a packet of seed to my order and when I called to add it, they told me that it was too late to do that but that they'd just send it to me for free.

[MPruett]

The trick, as best I can tell, to successful herb gardening is benign neglect.

I planted a bunch of seedlings I got from the nursery in 2" pots back in April, and now I have something like 1.5 square feet of Thyme, basil plants that are 2 feet tall and 2 feet around, an absolute s**load of sage(more than the thyme!) and an equal amount of parsley.

What did I do? My lawn sprinklers hit the raised herb garden once a week, and I put some of that Dynamite general purpose 9 month fertilizer in there.

That's it. I don't mess with them otherwise, and they seem to love it.

[airplanedoc]

This year I am growing basil, oregano, thyme, lemon verbina, and stieva. Wanted to get some rosemary, buy could never find any when I was herb shopping.


Thinking about installing a window garden in my south facing kitchen window, and attempting to grow herbs year round.

[Mr. Clean]

Our herbs come and go, but the one constant (5+) has been our rosemary shrub. We almost lost it 2 years ago from too much rain, but part of it still remains. It started from a 4" pot and grew into a shrub that at it's peak was @ 3' x 6'. It is now just a shadow of its former self at @ 2' x 3'. I can't walk by it w/o out rubbing a hand over it.

One thing I'm missing most right now is a mint. Always grow in a pot to contain its invasive nature.

[Ashkii21]

I grow Basil, Parsley and Chives in a kitchen window. I don't know what to call that type of window but it sticks out about a foot from the wall and has 2 shelves and the top glass is tilted down. I live in Arizona and I find that I have to keep water around my plants to help raise the humidity around them. :c9:

[RazorDingo]

There is a somewhat complex calculus that goes into deciding what herbs to grow.

You need to balance a) the amount of time, space, money, and effort you are prepared to put into growing them; b) the sort of climate you have where you live; c) how much of, and how frequently you are going to use the herb; and d) the availability of acceptable substitutes.

Mint is an example of an herb I've thought about growing: Its relatively easy to grow (some people would say too easy, as it has a habit of taking over a garden) But the fact of the matter is, I don't do much cooking where mint would come in handy. I only rarely mix myself Mint Juleps - and if I'm going to do a roast lamb - I'll buy a sprig of mint for the sauce down at the supermarket.

Parsley, on the other hand, is an easy choice. You can use parsley as a garnish on just about any meal. And while you can buy it easily enough at the supermarket - I find that the quantities you can buy are far more than I can reasonably use before it wilts in the refrigerator. It grows easily enough in a pot, and many is the guest who is delighted at being able to eat something they saw being harvested a minute or so previously.

I'd say let your cooking repetoire guide you in your herb garden choices. If you cook a lot of dishes that require herb X - then do everything you can to try and grow it in your garden.

[tsmba]

I guess I use parsley more frequently than most, followed by basil and chervil. Besides the obvious taste benefits, a simple garnish of fresh herbs looks great on a plate.
You southerners are lucky to be able to keep a year-round supply of rosemary. I've tried several times to bring a plant indoors over the winter, but they gradually die no matter how I care for them.

[Mr. Clean]

I guess I use parsley more frequently than most, followed by basil and chervil. Besides the obvious taste benefits, a simple garnish of fresh herbs looks great on a plate.
You southerners are lucky to be able to keep a year-round supply of rosemary. I've tried several times to bring a plant indoors over the winter, but they gradually die no matter how I care for them.
It does love the heat. I will tell you that we went through several 4" pots of different varieties before the one we have now. I have no idea why the others did not take. And unfortunately, I lost the plant stick that told me which variety we have, because I would be inclined to plant another just like it.

I don't cook with mint, but I do like to add a sprig to a glass of iced tea on occasion.

One herb that we use quite a bit, but have had no luck in growing is cilantro.

[ryand]

Does anyone have suggestions for indoor herbs? Living in an apartment makes it near impossible to have an actual garden. I've tried basil a few times but it always dies. I've had some success w/ rosemary but always used it faster than it grew. I could probably stick a few pots out on the porch but there's not that much room out there.

[Mr. Clean]

Does anyone have suggestions for indoor herbs? Living in an apartment makes it near impossible to have an actual garden. I've tried basil a few times but it always dies. I've had some success w/ rosemary but always used it faster than it grew. I could probably stick a few pots out on the porch but there's not that much room out there.
It has been the 70s since I last resided in an apartment, but as you mentioned we populated our balcony with plants and had very good luck. There is something that I've seen mentioned (I think in this forum) about "square foot gardening". I don't know much about it, but I believe that it is oriented for those gardeners with limited space resources. Maybe it will have an answer for you.