Growing and cooking garden herbsNorth Carolina Cooperative Extension ServiceMay 20th, 2013

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Herbs

• Annuals- Basil and cilantro

• Perennials- chives, mint, parsley, sage, tarragon, thyme

• Shrub type perennials- Lavender, rosemary

Generalizations

• Cheap seed

• Usually have minimal insect and disease issues

• Do not require high temperatures to grow

• Do well in potted plants

• Need well drained soil

Healthy livin’ with herbs

• A healthy way to add flavor to our food!

• Much better than adding salt and fat

• Many beneficial health effects

Healthy livin’ with herbs

• Basil- Basil herb contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A,  cryptoxanthin, lutein andzea-xanthin

• Chives- Chives are very low in calories; 100 g of fresh leaves provide just 30 calories. Nonetheless, they contain many noteworthy flavonoid anti-oxidants, plant fiber, minerals, and vitamins that have proven health benefits.

• Cilantro- contains no cholesterol; however, it is rich in antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" while increasing HDL or "good cholesterol" levels.

• Rosemary- The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic anti-oxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile essential oils. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.

Potted vs. Garden

Want them close to the house for cooking

Some not winter hardy, better in a pot.

General tips for growing herbs

• Start with good plants, free of disease and insects

• Understand the growth pattern of your herb

• Create ideal soil conditions for your herb ie- rosemary can handle hot, dry and alkaline soils better.

Planting

• Follow guide to choose seed or cuttings. IE- Thyme, rosemary, mint and sage best propagated with cuttings.

• Plant seeds in trays with good clean potting mix

• Don’t let soil dry out too much

Watering

• Usually plenty of water here in T-County

• Plant in well drained soil

• Herbs don’t like wet feet!

Further resources

• NCSU’s herb page

• NC herb’s page

• Herbs for the home gardener

• Purdue University’s herb advice

Let’s eat!!