Herbs

Share your herb stories and pictures at the bottom of this page. We want to see your herb garden too!

Herbs are plants that are valued for medicinal, aromatic, savory, or decorative qualities. Some are thought to repel insects. Colonists used to use dried sachets with mint, tansy, yarrow, and feverfew in them to keep moths out of their clothes.

Nothing can compare to the joy of going out into your own yard and harvesting a few stems to use in your favorite meal. Making your own vinegars, wreaths, and potpourri can bring hours of enjoyment throughout the year.

History

Their use goes back before the time of written history. The stories associated with them are full of superstition and legend.

Many plant species qualify as a herb. In order to be classified as one, there must be some substance in the root, leaf, bark, flower, or fruit that has been used as a medicine.

It’s not hard to believe that over 23 percent of our medicines come from these plants. Their use can be harmful or even fatal if used incorrectly. We do not recommend using them for medicinal purposes.

Basics

Most herbs are relatively easy to grow. They can be grown in all the areas of the Mid South. Many are annuals and are started from seeds or bought as small plants each year after the last frost.

Some of the easiest annuals to grow are , sweet basil ,anise, borage, chervil, coriander, dill, fennel , and summer savory.

Some like mint, rosemary and lemon balm as well as chives and oregano are perennials that will come back each year. Other perennials that do well in the Mid South are lovage, hyssop, lavender, sage, sweet marjoram, sweet woodruff, tarragon, and thyme. One of my absolute favorites to grow and dry for crafting is yarrow.

Local garden centers, hardware stores, and co-ops have many plants and seeds to choose from. If you are looking for more varieties you may want to search our online resources.

5 Basic Facts About Herbs
• Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight
• They need good drainage and moderate temperatures
• Avoid sites where the soil is too wet or too dry indicating too much clay or sand
• Amend soils with organic matter after having your soil tested .
• Use only hand-picking and insecticidal soaps to control occasional insect problems. Generally, herbs do not have insect outbreaks.

Do you have a great story about this? Tell us about your herb garden.

Do have a favorite herb?

How do you use your herbs for cooking and crafting? Tell us your favorite recipe or craft idea.

We would also love to see pictures of your own garden.

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