HERBS
***Harvesting Tips***
In general, herbs grown for their leaves should be harvested before they flower. After they flower, most herbs tend to lose their flavor or become bitter. Pick leaves when they are tender and contain the highest amount of oil, which supplies taste and fragrance. For most herbs, the best time to pick is early in the morning just as the dew evaporates, but before the heat of the day. Do not wash the leaves or aromatic oils will be lost.
Basil Greek (Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet, miniature leaves on dense, mounded plants that grow in a compact growing habit. Great for use as a topper to salads, and as an ingredient in salad dressings, pasta dishes, and soups. Also makes a great companion to tomato plants as basil is a superb pest repellent. In the garden, basil works to repel aphids, mites, and horn worms. Freeze entire stems, with the leaves still attached, for best flavor retention, or dry the leaves for seasoning. (12-18 in.)(30-45 cm)
Basil Holy (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Aromatic, many-branched shrub. Flowers are purplish. Widely known across India as a medicinal plant and a herbal tea. Commonly used in Thai (12-24 in.)(30-60 cm)
Basil Italian Large Leaf (Ocimum basilicum)
The best choice for authentic Italian cooking. Use fresh, dried or in pesto. Upright growing habit. Rich in oils and aromatic. Can be used in pesto’s and spaghetti sauces. Also makes a great companion to tomato plants as basil is a superb pest repellent. In the garden, basil works to repel aphids, mites, and horn worms. Freeze entire stems, with the leaves still attached, for best flavor retention, or dry the leaves for seasoning. (24-30 in.)(60-75 cm)
Basil Sweet Thai (Ocimum basilicum)
Authentic spicy Thai basil flavor. Flavor is described as anise or licorice-like. More stable under high or extended cooking temperatures than that of sweet basil. Green leaves and attractive purple blooms / stems. (12-18 in.)(30-45 cm)
Basil Lemon (Ocimum africanum)
Lemon flavoured basil which gives you that little lemon flavoured zip. Is used in rice dishes, curries, stir-fries, stews, steamed or grilled dishes. Often eaten raw with salad and a popular seasoning in Indonesian dishes. A tropical plant, this herb should be in a spot that receives at lease 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Harvesting after the flowering stage will sacrifice the taste, leaving the leaves to become smaller, dry and leathery. (8-16 in.)(20-40 cm)
Bergamot Wild (Monarda fistulosa)
Member of the mint family. Commonly known as bee balm. Distinct flavour of Earl Grey tea. Showy summer-blooming pink to lavender flowers. Often used as a honey plant, medicinal plants, and garden ornamental. Grows in large clumps. Considered a medicinal plant by many Native Americans including the Menominee, the Ojibwe, and the Winnebago. Was most commonly used to treat colds. (36 in.)(90 cm)
Bergamot Lemon (Monarda citriodora)
Lemony aroma with a wonderful taste. Produces masses of tiered pink-purple blossoms. Flowers cut and dry well. Usually grown as an ornamental or for its cut flowers. Dried flowers can be used in tea. Highly attractive to honeybees and other pollinators. Blossoms from August until frost. (24-36 in.)(60-90 cm)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Flower has a sweet honey-like taste, often used to decorate desserts and cocktails. Leaves have a cucumber-like taste and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Can be used as an ingredient in sauces, as a filling in pasta ravioli and pansoti, and is used to flavour Polish pickled gherkins. Has been used for regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. (24-40 in.)(60-100 cm)
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Is cultivated as an ornamental plant for used in gardens and is used to for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Used as a repellent for mosquito’s, flies, aphids, and squash bugs. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. (20-39 in.)(50-100 cm)
Chives Chinese Broad Leaved (Allium schoenoprasum)
Deep green leaves are broad and thick with mild flavor. Best for Chinese cooking and stir fry. Flavor dissipates quickly when heated, should be added to cooked dishes last minute. (14-16 in.)(35-40 cm)
Chives Garlic Geisha (Allium schoenoprasum)
“Just right” garlic flavor and vigorous growth. Slightly wider, flatter and more refined leaves than others. Useful as both an edible and an ornamental. Flavor dissipates quickly when heated, should be added to cooked dishes last minute. Holds up to cooking a little better than regular chives. (10-24 in.)(25-60 cm)
Chives Onion (Allium schoenoprasum)
Excellent for seasoning, onion flavoured leaves used for fresh eating or cooking. Mince and sprinkle into and on salads, potatoes, cheeses, sandwich spreads, dressings, omelettes, dumplings, butters, devilled eggs, mushrooms, soups, fish, poultry, and most vegetables. Flavor dissipates quickly when heated, should be added to cooked dishes last minute. (12-18 in.)(30-45 cm)
Cilantro Santo (Coriandrum sativum)
Broad, celery-like leaves are medium green and heavier than standard strains. Leaves are used in a variety of recipes and has a unique flavor. To help keep from bolting, cut back 1/3 of the plant each week, has an upright growing habit. Flowers are also edible. A great complement to sour fruits such as rhubarb and lime. Seeds can be used in curries, curry powder, pickles, sausage, soups, stews, and ratatouille. Fresh leaves are used in chutneys as well as Chinese and Mexican dishes, particularly salsa, guacamole, and as a garnish. Heat diminishes the flavor quickly. Should be added raw or immediately before serving. Try using it in ice cream recipes for an interesting take! (12-18 in.)(30-45 cm)
Dill Ella (Anethum graveolens)
Dwarf variety excelled for container growing. Flavour of a giant garden dill. Stays compact and bushy with a great fragrance. Makes an excellent addition to many dishes including fish, fresh potatoes, soups, vinegars, and salads. Easy to grow. Attractive to bees and butterflies. (10-14 in.)(25-36 cm)
Dill Fernleaf (Anethum graveolens)
Excellent in the herb garden, and ideal for windowsill growing. Ferny part of the plant makes an excellent addition to many dishes including fish, fresh potatoes, soups, vinegars, and salads. Easy to grow. As flowers appear, seeds can be harvested for making dill pickles. Attracts bees and butterflies. (12-15 in.)(30-38 cm)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Crunchy and slightly sweet, popular in Mediterranean cuisine. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds are edible. The stalks can be used for soups, stocks and stews. The leaves can be used as a seasoning. Is a great source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, and potassium. Can be useful in the prevention of colon cancer, helps to lower high blood pressure. (98 in.)(250 cm)
Lavender (Lavendula)
Highly recommended plant. The aroma is amazing and it has many uses. From bath oils to relaxation therapy. Blend with chamomile for a relaxing aromatherapy scent. Use it in sachets for its delicate scent. Another great use is homemade soap using goats milk. Lavender flavor pairs especially well with chocolate, and can be used to make lavender sugar. Flowers are occaisionally blended with black, green, or herbal teas. Flourishes best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. (24 in)(60 cm)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Strong, lemon-scented foliage used to repel mosquitoes. Great pollinator for attracting bees to your garden. Fresh leaves can be chopped to sprinkle on fruit salads or are used in teas. A member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. Add to a bath bag with rose petals for a calming bath. Was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas, bloating, and colic). A leaf can be chewed to freshen breath or crushed and place on a bug bite to help ease the itch. (13 in.)(33 cm)
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon)
Lemon flavor which can be chopped up and used in stir fry’s. Can be dried and powdered or used fresh. Used in teas, soups, and curries. Suitable with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. (36-60 in)(90-150 cm)
Marjoram Sweet (Majorana hortensis)
Use fresh or dried. A delicate sweet flavor, slightly spiced with a lot of health benefits. Adds a nice mellow flavor to vegetables such as spinach, beans, peas, and carrots. Great in salads, herbed butters, and vinaigrettes. Marjoram aids digestion, relieves nausea, improves the cardiovascular and circulatory system, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Can be used topically as an antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agent. Relieves insomnia, reduces stress, calms anxiety, wards off fungal infections and relieves symptoms of PMS. Makes a pretty summer ground cover or edging. Grows well in the garden or in containers. Keeps its full flavor even when dried. (12-24 in.)(30-60 cm)
Mint Mojito (Mentha x villosa)
Great for making those delicious mojito drinks. Mojito mint tastes great with lime and can be used to season lamb and other meats. Grow indoors in a sunny spot to enjoy Mojitos all year round! (24 in)(60 cm)
Mint Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Low growing and vigorous – do not place near slow-growing or weak-habited plants. Can be used for tea and oils. Peppermint offers benefits to the respiratory system, including for coughs, colds, asthma, and allergies. Also helps to alleviate symptoms of IBS. Essential oil can be used topically for pain relief, hair and skin care, and fresh breath. (4-6 in.)(10-15 cm)
Mint Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Low growing and vigorous – do not place near slow-growing or weak-habited plants. Can be used for tea and oils. A great addition to many dishes including lamb, poultry, and fish dishes. Add to mayonnaise for sea foods, or enjoy with chocolate. A popular herb for infusions. Goes well in lemonades and tea. Attracts butterflies and bees. A great companion plant to tomatoes and cabbages, repels cabbage white butteries, aphids, flea beetles, ants, mice, and rats. (4-6 in.)(10-15 cm)
Oregano Greek (Origanum heracleoticum)
Strong, spicy flavor, great for use in spaghetti sauce and many Mexican, Italian, and Greek dishes. Tea is used to treat colds, influenza, mild feverish illnesses, indigestion, stomach upsets, painful menstruation, and issues with sleep. The essential oil can be used to relieve toothache. Dark green leaves. White flowers. (14-24 in)(35-60 cm)
Oregano Italian (Formerly Oregano Common) (Origanum vulgare)
Italian type. Use fresh or dried. Strong flavor and great for use in spaghetti sauce and many Italian dishes. Flowers on their strong woody stems can be dried and used in aromatic wreaths or as a dried flower in arrangements. (36 in.)(90 cm)
Parsley Forest Green (Petroselinum crispum)
Dark green, triple-curled leaves. Great use for garnish and fresh eating. Can be used to season salads, soups, meats and pasta dishes. A natural breath freshener. (8-12 in.)(20-30 cm)
Parsley Italian Dark Single (Petroselinum crispum)
Flat, deeply cut leaves with rich flavor. Leaves commonly used fresh or dried to flavor soups, poultry dishes or salad dressings. Slightly bitter taste offers a balance to savoury dishes. Fresh cut-sprigs make an excellent garnish. (15-18 in.)(38-45 cm)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Use seeds and leaves for cooking. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as garnishes for beef and chicken dishes. When used as a tea, is said to be good for headaches, colic, colds, nervous diseases, and depression. Historically has been used as a symbol for remembrance. (24 in.)(60 cm)
Salvia-Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Is a member of the mint family. Use fresh or dried. Has a savory, slightly peppery flavor. Most notably appears in Italian, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cookery. (24 in.)(60 cm)
Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
A popular herb in recipes that call for sage and thyme. Can be used as a main flavouring in dressing for turkey, goose, and duck. Used in stews, sauces, meat pies, and as a seasoning for grilled meats and barbecues. May be pulled up and dried for winter use. (12-24 in)(30-60 cm)
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Incredibly sweet leaves used as a sugar substitute. Has no calories and is 200 times sweeter than suger in the same concentration. Has been known to treat burns, colic, and stomach problems. (30 in)(75 cm)
Tarragon Russian (Artemisia dracunculoides)
Green, fine-leafed variety. Commonly used with fish, omelettes and chicken. Tarragon should be added towards the end of cooking due to the fact that heat diminishes its taste. Can be used as garnish. This anise-flavoured herb can be used fresh or dried as seasoning for tomato dishes, mushrooms, poultry, and other oily foods. Makes a great ingredient in herbal vinegars, salad dressings, hot sauces, and salsa. Aids in repelling insects. (24 in.)(60 cm)
Thyme Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
Easily grown. Excellent planted as a lawn substitute or among stepping stones to create a living patio. Edible with a mint-like aroma when crushed or steeped for teas. Harvest in the morning when the essential oils of the plant are at their peak. Deer resistant. Capable of withstanding tromping upon which makes it a great choice to plant anywhere with frequent foot traffic. Emits a lovely fragrance when stepped upon. Attractive to bees. (2-4 in.)(5-10 cm)
Thyme Winter (English) (Thymus vulgaris)
Less aromatic than Summer types. A spicy herb. Can be used as an attractive ground cover or edging plant. Plant among and over rocks, growing best in light, well-drained soil. Also does well in window sill planters or hanging baskets. Aids in the digestion of high fat foods. Can also be used in oils for many remedies as well as a mosquito and gnat repellent. Tea preparations are used for sore throats and coughs and is used to improve general immune system functions. A companion plant of cabbages, repels cabbage worm. (12-18 in.)(30-45 cm)