Herb

Grow some herbs! You will love it. And most herbs are perennials! How can you go wrong?

Here are the Top Ten Culinary Herbs used in America-

Basil

Dill

Chives

Mint

Rosemary

Oregano

Sage

Cilantro

Parsley

Thyme

Here are just a few "need to knows" about these top 10 herbs.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)- There are dozens of types of basil to choose from. But bummer, this herb is an annual! If you start this indoors, do not transplant until you know there will be NO FROST. Pinch off the growing flower buds to prolong a plants life.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)- This herb is also considered an annual. But whenever I plant it, it always grows back. (just let it get big, it will re-seed itselfs) Many consider this a weed, so don't waist your money purchasing transplants. Buy the seeds. Honestly Dill does not do well being transplanting anyway. Dill grows fast, and some varieties can get 3 feet tall.

Chives (Allium scheonoprasum)- can you say that? This plant will need to be divided every 2 to 3 year to thrive. I give a delicate onion flavor often put over baked potatoes. This herb will transplant well and grow well from seed.

Mint (Mentha spp. & cultivars)- This is an INCREDIBLY vigorous herb. It comes in tons of different flavors, some with even a fruity flavor! My suggestion is to grow this in a pot, honestly this little monster will take over a flower bed quickly. If you cut back the plant after flowering it will stimulate more growth.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)- This herb is a woody, ever green shrub! It can cascade or be upright. It is extremely hardy, if you grow it in a pot you can bring it indoors for Rosemary all year. You can easily transplant Rosemary, grow from seed or from cuttings.

Oregano (Origanum)- Can you have Italian food without Oregano? This is a very dependable perennial. Bushing & spreading this plant could get up to 2 feet tall. Cut this Herb back to almost the ground in early summer to promote new healthy growth.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)- Use this herb dried for a much more mellow flavor, than if you use it fresh. This can be a evergreen in mild winters. I say only plant this herb from a transplant you purchase from the nursery.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)- Cilantro leaves are best tasting when they are young. Cilantro does not transplant well, I say sew from seed. This herb will take a little shade, and grows best in cool weather.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)- You can grow parsley with either curly or flat leaves. Parsley is a Bi-Annual. If you plant from seed, I would soak the seeds overnight in warm water. Easier still, just purchase the transplants from the Nursery.

Thyme (Thyme spp.)- Lots of options with Thyme. This fun and full of flavor herb is very adaptable. Grown in the ground or in a pot, you will be pleased. Whether its the flavor or the flower you will love Thyme.

Whether all you plant is one herb, or you start an entire herb garden. I hope that you will get excited about the fun prospects herbs have. Not just in a herb garden, but in pots or intermingled with your flower beds. The possibilities are endless. And for those fighting Bambi in their gardens. It has been said that herbs make Bambi run. Hasn't worked for me, but I just may have very hungry deer! Go figure.

Happy Planting