by Sherry Denecker

Created on: January 12, 2010

If you’ve ever experienced the sweet fragrance of lavender on a warm summer evening, or enjoyed the zesty flavor of fresh basil in a rich spaghetti sauce, you know the value of herbs. If you have ever found yourself in a grocery store, paying upwards of $3.00 for two sprigs of dill, you know the value of herbs. If you appreciate the concept of an edible landscape which provides beauty with function, you truly know the value of herbs.

Of all of the plants one can choose to place in the garden, herbs should always be at top of the list. They are extremely low maintenance, drought tolerant and easy to grow. Planted as companions to other plants they can help to deter bad insects and provide year-round beauty to your yard. They can be used as the center point in a garden or be planted in containers or hanging baskets for accents. They look fabulous in flower arrangements. Herbs are in essence weeds, so they do not need to be babied as many other kinds of plants do, making them perfect for any gardener to enjoy.

Most herbs enjoy being planted in full sun. Even in hot climates like Arizona, full sun is a good choice for herbs. They like the heat and sun, but most can equally handle colder climates where the thermometer can dip down to minus degrees.

When we think of growing herbs, think in terms of perennials and annuals. Following is a list of the most common herbs and what their growing habits are.

*Basil - Loves the heat. Plant in spring and enjoy throughout the summer. Does not tolerate temperatures much below 40 degrees so plant as an annual. Dry what’s left in the garden for winter use. Easy to grow from seed.

*Rosemary - great perennial with many uses. Plant in full sun. Tolerates both heat and cold. Does well even in snow. Does not grow well from seed. Propagate by cuttings or buy nursery stock.

*Sage- grow as perennial. Loves full sun and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10degrees F. Does Well from seed.

* Parsley - grow as an annual. Will usually re-seed itself if allowed to go to seed. Plant in full sun In spring. Does very well from seed.

*Mint - grow as a perennial. Very invasive herb that will take over areas of the garden ifleft uncontrolled. Plant in an area by itself or in containers. Will die back in the winter.Does not grow well from seed. Propagate from cuttings or buy nursery stock. Can beplanted in partial shade and likes more water than most herbs. Wonderful square stem.

* Thyme - Fabulous perennial. Loves the full sun. Tolerates

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