grow your own, nevada! spring 2012: growing herbs
TRANSCRIPT
Growing Herbs - From Anise to Yarrow
Kerry Seymour, MS, RD
Western Area Nutrition Specialist
What would you like to learn about growing herbs?
Overview
Why we grow herbs Which ones to grow Where to grow How to grow and harvest How to use and preserve Resources
Definition of Herb Botanical: An herb is a seed plant that does not
produce a woody stem Culinary: The aromatic leaf, stem or flower of
low-growing shrubs
Why Grow Herbs?
Landscaping/ornamental
Landscaping/ornamental
Landscaping/ornamental
Culinary
Culinary
Health Benefits: Nutrition
Rich in key vitamins and minerals
Antioxidant properties Anti-inflammatory effects Protective pigments: lutein,
zeaxanthin Examples:
Medicinal
Medicinal Effects Pharmacological activity Herb specific Dose and form dependent Science-based vs. folk lore Examples:
Be Aware of Health Risks Pharmacological activity Allergic reactions Interaction with medications Examples:
Cosmetic/Aromatic
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Spiritual/Sacred/Mystical
Choosing Herbs to Grow
Ornamental Culinary Aromatic Cosmetic Medicinal Spiritual/sacred/symbolic
Annual• Perennial• Biennial Hardiness Sun/shade tolerance
Choosing Herbs to Grow (cont.)
Annual herbs…
Anise Arugula Basil Burnet Borage Chervil Cilantro Dill Summer savory Sweet cicely
Perennial herbs… Bay laurel Bee balm Catnip Chives Fennel Hyssop Lavender Lemon balm Lovage
Marjoram/oregano
Perennial herbs… (cont)
Mint Rosemary* Tarragon Thyme Winter savory Sweet Woodruff Scented geranium* Yarrow
Biennial herbs… Parsley Caraway
Site Considerations
Space available Sunlight Drainage Soil fertility pH
Shade tolerant Chervil Chives Lemon balm Parsley Mint St. John’s Wort Sweet woodruff
Growing Herbs in Containers
Where to get your herbs?
Start from seed Buy seedlings Make stem cuttings or root
divisions
Starting Seedlings…
Favorite seed sources
Seed-saving and sharing Local nurseries Online sources:
Online seed sources: Seed Savers.org Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Nichols’ Garden Nursery Territorial Seed Company Johnny’s Selected Seeds John Scheeper’s Kitchen Garden Seeds
Start early from seeds…
Anise hyssop Basil Catnip Chamomile Chives Feverfew Lemon balm Marjoram Sorrel Thyme Parsley Savory – summer
and winter
Sow directly in the ground…
Anise Borage Caraway Chervil Cilantro Dill Fennel
Buy seedlings and plant after last frost date… Germander Lavender Rosemary Santolina
Grow from stem cuttings
Chamomile Scented geraniums Germander Horehound Hyssop Lemon balm Lemon verbena Marjoram Oregano Mint Rue Sage Santolina Winter savory
Grow from root division
Anise hyssop Bee balm Catnip Chives Echinacea Feverfew Germander Horehound Hyssop Lemon balm Lovage Marjoram/
oregano
Grow from root division (cont.)
Rosemary Rue Sage Santolina Sweet woodruff Tansy Tarragon Thyme Valerian Yarrow
Culture Adequate water Tailor fertilizer:
Chervil, fennel, lovage, summer savory
Remove flower heads to prolong leaf use
Harvesting Start as soon as plant has
enough leaves Pick leaves before the heat of
the day Pick before flower buds open
Uses for Fresh Herbs Garnish salads and hot foods Fruit and fruit salads Baked goods – sweet and savory Add to simmered foods prior to
serving Flavored vinegars, sugar or salt,
liqueurs, jellies and jams In flower arrangements
Making herb sugar or salt
Edible Flowers Herb Flowers Bachelor’s buttons Calendulas Carnations, dianthus Daylily* Marigold Nasturtiums Rose petals Squash blossoms Stock Pansies/violas
How do I Preserve my herbs?
Wash in cool running water Pat dry Choose whether to freeze or
dry Do not preserve in oil
Preserve by Freezing
Preserve by Drying
Winter protection Over-winter tender herbs
inside Mulch outdoor perennial herbs
Books The Complete Book of Herbs –
L. Bremness The Cook’s Herb Garden – J.
Cox The Encyclopedia of Herbs and
Spices – A. Clevely, et al Homegrown Herbs – T. Hartung
Resources http://www.hort.purdue.edu/
newcrop/med-aro/seedsources.html
http://www. herbcompanion.com The Herb Quarterly magazine http://herbgardeningguru.com http://homecooking.about.com/
library/weekly/blflowers.htm
Questions?
Thank You!