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Growing Herbs - From Anise to Yarrow
Growing Herbs -
From Anise to Yarrow
Kerry Seymour, MS, RD
Western Area
Nutrition Specialist
What would you like to learn about growing herbs?
Overview
Why we grow herbs
Which ones to grow
Where to grow
How to grow and harvest
How to use and preserve
Resources
Definition of Herb
Botanical:
An herb is a seed plant that does not produce a woody stem
Culinary:
The aromatic leaf, stem or flower of low-growing shrubs
Why Grow Herbs?
Landscaping/ornamental
Landscaping/ornamental
Landscaping/ornamental
Culinary
Culinary
Health Benefits: Nutrition
Rich in key vitamins and minerals
Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Protective pigments: lutein, zeaxanthin
Examples:
Medicinal
Medicinal Effects
Pharmacological activity
Herb specific
Dose and form dependent
Science-based vs. folk
lore
Examples:
Be Aware of Health Risks
Pharmacological activity
Allergic reactions
Interaction with medications
Examples:
Cosmetic/Aromatic
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Choosing Herbs to Grow
Ornamental
Culinary
Aromatic
Cosmetic
Medicinal
Spiritual/sacred/symbolic
Annual
• Perennial
• Biennial
Hardiness
Sun/shade tolerance
Choosing Herbs to Grow (cont.)
Annual herbs…
Anise Arugula
Basil Burnet
Borage Chervil
Cilantro Dill
Summer savory Sweet cicely
Perennial herbs…
Bay laurel Bee balm
Catnip Chives
Fennel Hyssop
Lavender Lemon balm
Lovage Marjoram/oregano
Perennial herbs… (cont)
Mint Rosemary*
Tarragon Thyme
Winter savory
Sweet Woodruff
Scented geranium*
Yarrow
Biennial herbs…
Parsley
Caraway
Site Considerations
Space available
Sunlight
Drainage
Soil fertility
pH
Shade tolerant Chervil
Chives
Lemon balm
Parsley
Mint
St. John’s Wort
Sweet woodruff
Growing Herbs in Containers
Where to get your herbs?
Start from seed
Buy seedlings
Make stem cuttings or root divisions
Starting Seedlings…
Favorite seed sources
Seed-saving and sharing
Local nurseries
Online sources:
Online seed sources: Seed Savers.org
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Nichols’ Garden Nursery
Territorial Seed Company
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
John Scheeper’s Kitchen
Garden Seeds
Start early from seeds…
Anise hyssop Basil
Catnip Chamomile
Chives Feverfew
Lemon balm Marjoram
Sorrel Thyme
Parsley Savory – summer and winter
Sow directly in the ground…
Anise Borage
Caraway Chervil
Cilantro Dill
Fennel
Buy seedlings and plant after last frost date…
Germander
Lavender
Rosemary
Santolina
Grow from stem cuttings
Chamomile Scented geraniums
Germander Horehound
Hyssop Lemon balm
Lemon verbena Marjoram
Oregano Mint
Rue Sage
Santolina Winter savory
Grow from root division
Anise hyssop Bee balm
Catnip Chives
Echinacea Feverfew
Germander Horehound
Hyssop Lemon balm
Lovage Marjoram/oregano
Grow from root division (cont.)
Rosemary Rue
Sage Santolina
Sweet woodruff Tansy
Tarragon Thyme
Valerian Yarrow
Culture
Adequate water
Tailor fertilizer:
Chervil, fennel, lovage, summer savory
Remove flower heads to prolong leaf use
Harvesting Start as soon as plant has enough
leaves
Pick leaves before the heat of the day
Pick before flower
buds open
Uses for Fresh Herbs
Garnish salads and hot foods
Fruit and fruit salads
Baked goods – sweet and savory
Add to simmered foods prior to serving
Flavored vinegars, sugar or salt, liqueurs, jellies and jams
In flower arrangements
Making herb sugar or salt
Edible Flowers
Herb Flowers
Bachelor’s buttons
Calendulas
Carnations, dianthus
Daylily* Marigold Nasturtiums
Rose petals Squash blossoms
Stock Pansies/violas
How do I Preserve my herbs?
Wash in cool running water
Pat dry
Choose whether to freeze or dry
Do not preserve in oil
Preserve by Freezing
Preserve by Drying
Winter protection
Over-winter tender herbs inside
Mulch outdoor perennial herbs
Books
The Complete Book of Herbs – L. Bremness
The Cook’s Herb Garden – J. Cox
The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices – A. Clevely, et al
Homegrown Herbs – T. Hartung
Resources http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcr
op/med-aro/seedsources.html
http://www. herbcompanion.com
The Herb Quarterly magazine
http://herbgardeningguru.com
http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm
Questions?
Thank You!
