Herbs are Easy

Herbs are so easy to grow they are among the plants that are ideal for young gardeners because they will have success from their first attempt. 

Winter protection helps herbs survive cold temperatures

Herbs add scent in bouquets and their flavors create delicious beverages, salads, vegetables and meats that rival any restaurant fare. 

Patsy Wynn of Tulsa Herb Society said that since most herbs are ancient, they add history to the garden. Wynn said she cooks with basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano mostly.

“Mediterranean herbs are the easiest to grow,” Wynn said. “Give them average soil, plenty of sun, a little fertilizer and average water. The biggest mistake is keeping them too wet.”

Herbs and vegetables can be interspersed

To create an easy-to-grow container, Wynn suggested an airy, tall, fennel plant for the middle, golden oregano or sage for the center and parsley or thyme for the low growing plants. Just be careful to not over-water.

The kitchen herbs we grow come from the parsley and the mint plant families. From the parsley plant family: Dill, Celery, Caraway, Fennel, Cumin, Celeriac and Parsley itself. From the mint plant family: Oregano, Peppermint, Sage, Monarda, Thyme, Basil, Lavender, Rosemary and Lemon Balm.

In our area, many herbs are annuals and have to be planted every year. We plant basil, parsley and dill from seed every spring. The ones that live all winter outside in an average or mild winter, include: Rosemary, Lemon Balm, all the mints, Sage, Lavender, Thyme, Oregano and Fennel. In a really cold year, many of those will struggle unless they are protected with cover.

Grow herbs for their flowers, scent, kitchen flavors and bouquets

Pick up some herb plants at farmers markets and garden centers. They will add fragrance, flavor and pollinators such as butterflies to your life.

Tulsa Herb Society meets monthly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their schedule is posted on the Tulsa Garden Center website attulsagardencenter.com under the Event-calendar tab.