Herbs
are some of my favorite plants to grow. I just love being able to cook with
them and rub them between my fingers to smell their wonderful aroma. Generally
speaking, most herbs love lots of sun and well-drained soils. Aphids and white
flies love these plants too, so be sure to keep a good watch and don’t overwater.
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum) ~ Don’t let basil go to flower,
pinch it back and you will promote a thicker fuller plant. If you let it go to
flower, it will stop or slow down the leaf production. Basil requires moist but
well drained soil, and requires 5 hours of full sun. A nice compost tea will
help the plant to grow lush and full. Basil is very tender, so keep it
sheltered when chilly weather is imminent.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) ~ Peppermint can be invasive, to
keep it under control keep it in a container or in a separate box. Soil can be
moist, but never soggy and several hours of full sun per day are needed. Peppermint
comes in many varieties, so explore multiple species and discover which you
enjoy the most!
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) ~ Rosemary can produce for quite
some time but it can also become woody. Cut it back regularly and remember when
cooking, a little goes a long way. Seed germination is low so starter plants
are a great way to go. I always keep my rosemary in pots and overwinter them
indoors. Rosemary loves full sun and slightly damp soil. Allow it to dry out
completely between watering.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) ~ Seeds may be started indoors six
(6) weeks before planting outdoors. Chives prefer full sun and minimal water.
Onion chives have purple flowers, while white flowers sprout from garlic
chives. Chives will self-sow and over-winter in most parts of the state.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) ~ Thyme requires full sun and
loves well-drained, dry soil. Pinch back flowers (deadheading) after flowering
for a bushy plant. Seeds are slow to germinate. Some varieties are
deer-resistant and will overwinter in much of the state.
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Oregano (Lippia graveolens) ~ Harvest oregano when the plant
is at least 5- 6 inches tall. This herb has a more robust flavor if you pinch
back leaves before flowering occurs, which happens after about five or six
weeks. Aggressively pinching back leaves from the top encourages fuller,
bushier plants.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) ~ Seeds are slow to germinate.
Sage requires 4-5 hours of full sun and well-drained soil. When the plant becomes
overgrown or root bound, you can divide it. They are very tender so keep them
covered when frost is likely.
Cilantro (Corlandrum sativum) ~ Cilantro is one of my favorite
plants for my windowsill in the winter months. The aphids love it too, so be
sure to give it a good spray of water every week. It loves the full sun of a
southern facing window. Harvest cilantro regularly to keep the plant producing.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) ~ Lavender absolutely needs
well-drained, dry, sandy soil. Clay soil will smother the roots and it will
rot. Lavender requires 6-8 hours of full sun. It does not overwinter well in the
mountainous regions of the state, although if you have an optimal microclimate
and you mulch this plant, it may have a fighting chance. If you really love
this plant, keep it in a pot and bring it in over the winter months. You may
need to constantly watch for aphids and spray it with a strong flow of water.
I love to
overwinter these herbs in pots and they live on my kitchen table in a warm
southern window - they grow just wonderfully and they go back outside in late
spring. These are just a few of the basics, try a few and experiment with other
varieties - you will be hooked!
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Special thanks to the Teller County Master Gardeners and CSU Horticulture for information for this post.
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