Having a small herb garden of my own has always been something I love. There’s just something special about stepping outside and harvesting the herbs you enjoy cooking with. The freshness, the aroma, and the flavor are on a completely different level compared to what you usually find at the grocery store. The good news … Read more
When I first started growing herbs in containers, I assumed they would behave the same way they do in the ground. It didn’t take long to realize that wasn’t really true. Some herbs quickly outgrew their pots, while others struggled with the limited soil space. After a bit of trial and error, I began noticing … Read more
When I first started growing herbs, I didn’t have a big garden or fancy raised beds. All I had were a few small pots sitting by a sunny window and the hope that something might actually grow. Very quickly I learned an important lesson: not every herb enjoys living in a small container. Some plants … Read more
I’ve always loved growing Rosemary in my garden. It’s one of those herbs that rewards you in so many ways—the beautiful evergreen foliage, the wonderful fragrance when you brush past the plant, and of course the flavor it adds to food. One of my favorite simple pleasures is stepping outside, snipping a fresh sprig, and … Read more
Lemon grass is used a lot in Asian food. In addition, lemon grass is used in many home remedies. It has a nice scent, as well. There are companion plants that benefit from growing near it and others that help lemon grass grow better. Why Does Lemon Grass Need Companion Plants? Here are the ways … Read more
Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) is more closely related to leeks than garlic. Elephant garlic produces huge bulbs and is very tasty. But, you may wonder, “When do I harvest elephant garlic?” Elephant garlic is more like hard-necked garlic than soft-necked garlic. This is because the stalks are cut off after curing instead of being used to … Read more
Basil is a popular and attractive herb in cuisine around the world and has been used for centuries. It has many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor. Most basil leaves are green, but there are also purple basil, lemon basil, and even cinnamon basil! Basil is easy to grow and can thrive indoors … Read more
I’ve always been enamored with sage. I love chopping it up to mix into a brown butter sauce, crushing its leaves and inhaling its earthy fragrance, and watching its beautiful flowers appear in the summer. That said, I think it’s a must-have plant in the garden. And since sage is a perennial, you can plant … Read more
Borage (Borago officinalis) is used as an attractive plant in flower beds, in salads, and in traditional herbal medicine. Borage is often used as a companion plant in the landscape or the vegetable garden. This guide tells you which plants to use near the borage and which to plants to avoid. Note: Borage should not … Read more
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is an aromatic herb that is used in cooking and in medicine. The lemon scent is very fragrant. There are many plants that are good companions for lemon balm in the garden. Why Does Lemon Balm Need Companion Plants? Here are the ways companion plants help lemon balm. Increase Nutrients Peas … Read more
If food magazines are any indication, herbs like dill are becoming even hotter than ever. And it’s no wonder—piling chopped dill on top of a salmon filet, topping salads with dill flowers, and mixing the herbaceous herb with cucumbers are sure ways to elevate your dishes. Dill’s many uses in the kitchen mean it’s a … Read more
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flower that’s equally at home in meadows as it is in cut flower gardens. I love that yarrow provides beautiful lacy foliage and flowers and a wide variety of uses and benefits. First, yarrow’s tiny flowers attract and feed various insects and birds. Many of these critters are fantastic … Read more
If you’re growing a perennial herb garden, chives are a must-have. Chop them up to add an onion-like flair to chili and baked potatoes, or pair them with cheddar cheese to create a delicious savory biscuit. But what about when it comes to the garden? What plants get along best with chives? Like with most … Read more
Rosemary has always been one of my favorite garden herbs. With its unmistakable and pleasing aroma and beautiful growing habit, I encourage everyone to have some rosemary in their garden – preferably in an area where its beauty and fragrance can be enjoyed. There are two main types of rosemary plants – upright and creeping. … Read more
If you’re looking for a fragrant and beautiful addition to your garden, look no further than rosemary. Rosemary adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal to any garden and thrives as a container plant indoors or outside. It has always been one of my go-to garden favorites. One thing about rosemary that is fantastic is … Read more
Two popular chamomile types are found in home gardens – Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Although these two varieties are related and share some similarities, there are also quite a few differences between the two. Knowing these differences will help you make the best choice between the two for your garden, … Read more
Friends, chums, and companions are the people you can depend on in your life. The ones that build you up and make you a better person. The same can be said for companions in the plant world. I tell everyone considering a garden, don’t forget to research your plants and consider companion planting. Companion planting … Read more
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a delicate yet hardy, fragrant perennial herb that has been used for centuries in everything from herbal remedies to teas and cosmetics. This pretty little plant is easy to grow and is a beautiful addition to any garden. It is a member of the daisy family, and its flowers resemble sweet … Read more
Growing chamomile can be a rewarding venture, especially for those who enjoy tea. This vibrant herb offers a range of benefits and is relatively simple to cultivate. Knowing the right time and method to harvest chamomile is essential for maximizing its potential. Understanding the harvesting process will enhance your gardening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned … Read more
Why is my rosemary turning brown? This isn’t an uncommon question; the simple answer is, in most cases, rosemary usually turns brown due to root rot or fungal issues. Sometimes though, your rosemary could turn brown because it isn’t getting enough water. The answer isn’t simple; you need to learn how to grow rosemary properly … Read more
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb and member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a fragrant, essential addition to any kitchen garden. In the kitchen, it can add a bit of lemony zing to salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts, the fresh or dried leaves of lemon balm add a … Read more
Mint is a fast-growing perennial herb, often growing up to 3 feet tall, and can be quite invasive. It’s popular for flavoring food and beverages, making tea, and in medicinal remedies for digestion and headaches. Mint is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors, making it a great addition to any vegetable garden. Harvesting mint … Read more
Harvesting ginger can be a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Ginger is a tropical plant that is a popular ingredient in many dishes and is known for its medicinal properties. Harvesting ginger at the right time and in the right way is essential to ensure that you get the best possible … Read more
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines and traditional medicines. It is known for its vibrant yellow color and distinct flavor. However, harvesting turmeric can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with the process. Knowing when and how to harvest turmeric is crucial to ensure that … Read more
Thyme is a versatile perennial herb known for its earthy flavor and aromatic qualities. It’s a staple in many culinary dishes, adding depth to soups, stews, meats, and vegetables. Not only is thyme a favorite in the kitchen, but it’s also a great addition to an edible or herb garden. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, … Read more
Lavender is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes, including culinary, medicinal, and decorative applications. Every part of the plant—from the flowers to the leaves and even the stems—has its use, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Harvesting lavender the right way improves the quality of its essential … Read more
Basil is a versatile annual herb that’s easy to care for, thriving in both gardens and containers. With a variety of types—such as sweet basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil—it’s a staple in many kitchen gardens. Knowing when and how to harvest basil leaves is key to keeping your plants healthy and maximizing your yield … Read more
Cilantro is an annual herb belonging to the parsley family, known for its versatile use in many dishes around the world. It has a distinct flavor and aroma that can enhance the taste of any dish, often added to soups, stews, salads, and salsas. Cilantro is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins … Read more
Lemongrass is a popular herb widely used in Asian cuisine for its unique flavor and aroma. It’s also known for its numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and relieving anxiety. Besides its culinary and health benefits, lemongrass adds a beautiful touch to your garden. Growing lemongrass in your backyard is relatively easy, … Read more
Rosemary is a wonderful herb, loved for its delightful scent and strong taste, and is used in both cooking and natural remedies. As the summer season arrives, it’s the perfect time to gather this versatile herb from your garden. Knowing how to harvest rosemary properly will help you avoid harming the plant while also promoting … Read more
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