I attended a virtual herb gardening program the other day for those living in plant hardiness zones 6b to 8b.

Herbs are great to use for cooking, baking, stir frying, canning, etc.  Herbs can also be used in salads and for garnishes.

I was surprised to learn that marigolds, pansies, and violas flowers are edible and can be ordered online.  They are used to garnish salads and desserts.  The purple flowers from chives are also edible.

Always make sure that your herbs have not been sprayed with any chemicals and do not have pet urine on them.

If possible plant your herbs as near to your kitchen as possible.  That way, you can go out and snip a few sprigs when you are cooking or entertaining.

As a general rule, deer do not like to eat herbs.

You can plant many types of herbs in winter-resistant tera cotta crocks.  It is usually best to use larger containers.  If you want your herbs to survive over winter, do not use plastic crocks.

With a larger crock, you will also have to water less frequently.

Make sure your tera cotta crocks are well made and have been fired properly to withstand winter’s cold.

You can even weather-proof your crocks by wrapping them in plastic wrap.  Then cover with burlap to make the crocks look attractive.

Planting Herbs in Crocks

1. First purchase a large 14-inches or larger weather-resistant tera cotta crock.  It is best to cover the drainage hole with a piece of landscaping material.  This will help keep drainage flowing.  It will also keep out any insects.
2. Use good potting soil.  If you use top soil, the crock will not drain properly.  Fill the crock with potting soil but leave about a three inch space from the top of the pot.
3. Before placing the herb plant in the soil, lightly cut the roots.
4. If you have trouble with squirrels pulling out plants, add some gravel to the top of the crock.
5. Water thoroughly but do not let plants sit in water.
6. Do not over fertilize herbs.

Root Bound Thyme Plant Replanting Thyme Plant

The above two photographs show a thyme plant being replanted into a slightly larger crock.

The photograph on the left, shows how root bound the thyme plant was.

In fact, I actually need a larger crock for this plant.

 

Fun Facts on Herbs

Art Rosemary is a hardy herb which will last over winter.

Basil, on the other hand, needs warm weather to grow.

Thai basil attracts butterflies and bees.

Cilantro does not like heat and will bolt when the days start to be warm.

If you plant a mint plant or catnip in your garden, it can spread into other areas so be careful with that.

What’s New in the Garden?

Use earth boxes on your patio if you do not have room for a herb garden elsewhere.

Earth Boxes are unique sub-irrigated planters which were developed by commercial farmers to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit.  There is an aeration screen and wicking chambers which holds water under the plants until it is needed.  There is a fill tube to fill up the reservoir.

Also, try planting some leaf celery plants which are sometimes called Chinese celery.  The stems are so much thinner than the celery we see in grocery stores.  You can harvest the fresh tasty leaves.  They can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.

Happy Herb Gardening!