COMMON NAME Scientific Name | Plant Height | Spacing | Cultural Hints | Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|
ANNUALS | | | | |
BASILS Ocimum species | 20-24" | 12" | Grow from seed. Sun when crushed. Purple variety is a good accent plant. | Use in anything with tomatoes. Insect repellent. |
BORAGE Borago officinalis | 24" | 12" | Grow from seed, self-sowing. Best in dry, sunny areas. | Young leaves in salads for cucumber flavor. |
CHERVIL Anthriscus cerefolium | 10" | 3-6" | Sow in early spring. Partial shade. | Aromatic leaves used in soups & salads. Chef's favorite. |
CORIANDER Coriandrum sativum | 24" | 18" | Grow from seed. Sow in spring in sun or partial shade. | Seed used in confections, leaves in salad oriental & eastern food. |
DILL Anethum graveolens | 24-36" | 12" | Grow from seed sown in early spring. Sun or partial shade. | Feathery foliage and seeds used in flavoring and pickling. |
PARSLEY Petroselinum species | 6" | 6" | Grow from seed started in early spring. Slow to germinate. Sun. Biennial. | Brings out flavor of other herbs. Fine base & seasoning. High in vitamin C. |
PERENNIALS | | | | |
CATNIP Nepeta cataria | 3-4 ft. | 18" | Hardy, sun or shade. Grow from seed or by division. | Leaves for soothing tea. |
CHIVES, GARLIC CHIVES Allium species | 12" | 12" | Little care. Divide when overcrowded. Grow from seed or division | Favorite of chefs. Good indoor pot plant. Cut long strands at base; Mild onion or garlic flavor. |
FRENCH TARRAGON Artemisia dracunculus | 24" | 24" | Sun or semi-shade. Grow from cuttings or division. | Aromatic seasoning; principle flavor in bearnaise sauce; great with fish or chicken |
LAVENDER Lavandula species | 24" | 18" | Propagate from cuttings. Grows in dry, rocky, sunny locations with plenty of lime in soil. Require pH 6.5 to 7.2 | Use flowers & leaves for sachets, potpourri. |
LEMON VERBENA Aloysia triphylla | 36" | 36" | Tender perennial; propagate from cuttings. Sun or partial shade. | Strongest lemon scent. Leaves used in teas or in lemon-based potpourri. |
LOVAGE Levisticum officnale | 3-4 ft. | 30" | Rich, most soil. Grow from seed planted in late summer. Sun or partial shade. | Of the carrot family; strong celery flavor. |
MINTS Mentha species | 1-3 ft. | 18" | Grow from cuttings or division. Sun or partial shade. | Aromatic; used as flavoring. Unusual varieties include orange, blue balsam, ginger, chocolate. |
OREGANO Origanum species | 24" | 9" | Grow from seed, cuttings or division. Sun. | Flavoring for tomato dishes & pasta. |
ROSEMARY Rosmarinus species | 3-6 ft. | 12" | Grows in well-drained, nonacid soil from cuttings. Sun. Marginally hardy; plant in protected site. | Leaves flavor sauces, poultry, meats, rice, and soups. Good for topiary, bonsai. |
SAGE Salvia species | 18" | 12" | From seed or cuttings. Sun. Renew every 3 to 4 years. | Seasoning for meats especially pork; herb teas. |
THYME Thymus species | 8-12" | 12" | Light soil, well-drained. Renew every 2 to 3 years. Grow from cuttings or division. Sun. | Aromatic foliage for seasoning meats, soups, sauces, and dressings. Many varieties including lemon, orange, nutmeg, and woolly. |
A Year at the Farm In Photos
10 years ago