Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. They’re not
fussy and usually, you can just plant them and let Mother Nature take care of
the rest. It’s best to try to meet the growing requirements stated on the label
when you buy the plant. But even in that regard, herbs give you lots of leeway. Many will thrive in both full sun and partial shade. They usually don’t
like wet feet, so make sure your site is well-drained.
Since the growing season is upon us, I encourage everyone to experiment with a few easy-grow-herbs that can even be tucked in among
your other garden plants — no fancy herb garden required!
Oregano
What would a kitchen be without Oregano? Think pizza and
spaghetti sauce. But don’t forget, oregano has medicinal properties as well.
Oregano tea clears the sinuses and eases sore throats.
It’s best to buy oregano plants when you’re getting started.
That way, you’ll be sure to get the flavor you want. Oregano prefers full sun,
but I’ve actually grown it in partial shade and the plants have thrived.
Oregano grows wild in the mountains of the Mediterranean. In
Europe, the names oregano and marjoram are used interchangeably. In the United
States, these are considered two different herbs. Both taste similar, although
I think marjoram has a sweeter taste.
When I say oregano is easy to grow, I’m really not kidding.
In some mountainous regions of the U.S., oregano has become a weed. There is even
a story that the State of Oregon was named for the profusion of oregano that
grows wild there.
No matter what, you’ll soon find oregano to be an essential part of your garden.
No matter what, you’ll soon find oregano to be an essential part of your garden.
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| Oregano |
Chives
Chives are always so cheerful in the spring with their globes
of pink/purple flowers. Common chives have a slightly oniony flavor and smell,
while garlic chives taste and smell like mild garlic.
I usually find it’s easiest to start your garden with a
store-bought plant or grab some divisions from a friend who’s got some to
spare. Either way, chives grow in full to partial sun and thrive in
well-drained soil with a little compost added in the spring and summer. They do
have to be divided every three years to prevent overcrowding.
Chives offer fresh greens throughout the growing season.
And, believe me, once you’ve got them started, you’ll find yourself snipping
their stalks and sprinkling them over everything from scrambled eggs to salads.
My kids even love them in their burgers! Every part of the chive is edible, so
if you’re game, you can make wonderful chive-infused vinegar in the spring.
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| Onion Chives |
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| Garlic Chives |
Thyme
There’s no thyme like the present to add
this herb to your garden.
Thyme is useful and personal. There are so many cultivars,
you can have fun picking your favorite or try a sampling. You can’t go wrong.
Thyme has a rich woody scent and many types have hints of
flavor like my personal favorite; variegated lemon thyme. Thyme enhances almost
any dish it’s used in, from pasta to vegetables, roasted meats and potatoes.
In crafting, thyme is often added to potpourris. Added to bathwater, thyme
refreshes and its antiseptic qualities make it wonderful for raw, rough skin.
This herb is so easy to grow; all it needs is lots of
sunshine and fairly dry soil. Many people find it makes a beautiful
groundcover; some even use it as a lawn cover. Bees love thyme and in Greece,
where thyme grows wild, thyme honey is a great delicacy.
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| Variegated Lemon Thyme |
So, this summer, have some fun with these three easy-to-grow
herbs. They will add scent and flavor to the sweetness of the season!
