Herbs
Not only used for cooking, herbs are versatile plants that have many different uses in the landscape: as groundcovers, perennial ornamentals, or in containers with other flowering plants. Many ornamentals also have medicinal properties and can be included in this category. Herbs can be annual, biennial or perennial. Plant annual herbs when growing conditions are ideal in the spring. Perennial herbs persist from year to year, some going dormant in the winter.
Plant herbs in a sunny location where they are easily harvested, such as a kitchen garden, or in containers and window boxes. Some herbs can grow in partial shade such as mint, chives, dill, and cilantro. Herbs do not require very rich soil but need excellent drainage, especially those that are indigenous to Mediterranean regions. Overfeeding herbs can result in lush plants with not a lot of flavor. Water regularly, especially those growing in containers.
Harvesting herbs not only provides you with a constant supply but also encourages healthy, bushy growth. Always cut the stems just above a leaf and harvest early in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated. Remove flowers from annual herbs such as Basil to redirect the plant’s energy into producing more leaves.
