Planting basil from seed is truly enjoyable. Seeds germinate slowly, a bit faster when heated from below, and basil enjoys hot weather and full sun. Be sure to try Thai basil, holy basil, and Genovese basil — each variety has...
Continue ReadingSeeds To Start In February Although it’s still cold outside and the days are still short, there are many seeds to start in February indoors. The early start means that seedlings do some essential early development, and when they are...
Continue ReadingFenugreek is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Seeds found in ruins in modern day Iraq were carbon dated to 4000 BCE. It grows best in fertile soil in full sun. Learn more about how to...
Continue ReadingThe roots of this shrub have been harvested for centuries as a medicine and flavouring for sweets. Liquorice is easy to grow and manage once it is established, but it should probably be left to grow for three years before...
Continue ReadingCumin is used in nearly all cuisines of the world. It is commercially grown in North Africa and West Asia, but if it’s given a head start and a warm summer, it will be productive in gardens as cool as...
Continue ReadingThis fast-growing member of the marigold family can be started indoors or by direct sowing in the garden. Learn more about how to grow Mexican tarragon in the useful guidelines below. Latin Tagetes lucida Family: Asteraceae Difficulty Easy Season &...
Continue ReadingGrow caraway for its intensely scented seeds or as a parsnip-like root vegetable. It will manage in partial shade, but grow in full sun if harvesting the seeds is the intent. Caraway will thrive in nearly any reasonable soil, but...
Continue ReadingSesame is commercially produced in desert settings, so when we say it’s drought tolerant, we really mean it. In fact, this is really the key to success with sesame seeds, as we will outline in the following guide on how...
Continue ReadingHorseradish belongs in the perennial food garden. Once the plants are established, they can be harvested at any time of the year, and the flavour is particularly good in winter, when cold temperatures bring out a sweetness in the roots....
Continue ReadingLearn how to grow culantro in the home herb garden for a never-ending supply of sharply flavoured leaves. This herb is so widely used around the world that it goes by many names: Shado beni, chardon béni, bandhaniya, samat, alcapate,...
Continue ReadingLemongrass is a tropical grass that thrives in summer heat. It is well suited to container growing, and ideal for greenhouse cultivation. It can be grown as a perennial in our climate, but care must be taken to control moisture...
Continue ReadingHow to grow Shiso from seed. Shiso is a strongly flavoured member of the mint family. Its leaves have a tangy flavour of cumin, mint, nutmeg, and anise combined. In stature it resembles a large basil plant, and the cultivation...
Continue ReadingSummer savory is a half hardy annual. Winter savory is perennial. Both are well suited to container growing. All savories prefer full sun and well-drained, rather poor soil. Summer savory wants a warm, protected spot in the herb garden, while...
Continue ReadingVerbena is a perennial plant sometimes grown as an annual. It’s also known as Vervain, Purpletop, and Clustertop. Some references call this variety Brazilian Verbena, but this isn’t really correct, as the true Brazilian Verbena is Verbena brasiliensis. It is...
Continue ReadingThyme, like other woody-stemmed herbs, tends to grow very slowly, and benefits from an early start if grown from seed. Unlike basil and other annual herbs, you shouldn’t count on harvesting thyme in the first (or even the second) year,...
Continue ReadingStevia is a genus in the sunflower family with about 240 known species. Sweetleaf is Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America. The greatest challenge with Stevia is germination. How to Grow Stevia from seeds ? Sweetleaf is famously difficult...
Continue ReadingNo organic kitchen garden is complete without parsley. Both curly and flat-leaf parsley are loaded with flavour and productive over a long period in your organic herb garden. Parsley is cold hardy and can even be harvested for much of...
Continue ReadingGerman chamomile is also known as scented mayweed and wild chamomile. It’s a hardy annual with pleasantly scented flowers, and is primarily grown for medicinal use and teas. Follow this handy How to Grow chamomile from seeds and relax. Learn how...
Continue ReadingMarjoram is the milder cousin of oregano, with a very similar flavour profile but gentler impact. Sprinkle some freshly cut marjoram over an omelette or baguette for a savoury treat. Follow this handy How to Grow Marjoram from seed guide...
Continue ReadingTraditionally used to flavour bean dishes, epazote has the added medicinal benefit of acting as a carminative, or anti-flatulent agent. Epazote is an unfussy plant that will grow in even poor soils. Grow in full sun for best results, in a...
Continue ReadingIn mild climates, borage will bloom continuously nearly all year, so it’s a wonderful choice for attracting native pollinators – particularly bumblebees. The leaves and flowers are edible with a flavour reminiscent of cucumbers. Borage is an excellent all around...
Continue ReadingLacy, beautiful fennel plants grace planter boxes and the delicate leaves are lovely in salads. Like dill and parsley, the flowers of fennel are intensely attractive to beneficial insects. Grow fennel in a sunny position in well-drained loamy soil. If your...
Continue ReadingBergamot is also known, somewhat confusingly, as Bee Balm, Scarlet Bee-balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, and by its genus name, Monarda. All varieties are aromatic and highly attractive to pollinators, including hummingbirds.Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the...
Continue ReadingLovage has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks as a remedy for stomach upsets, and to aid digestion. As herbs go, this is a massive plant, so you may only want one or two for your home...
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