What would a gardener’s summer be without growing some herbs? Living in the Willamette Valley, and surrounding area, there are so many summer herbs that we can grow, and I think every gardener probably has a few that are ‘must have’ each year. In my garden there are certainly some that I plant every year, but I also like to try some that I am not familiar with. Many gardeners grow herbs for a multitude of uses that can include culinary, ornamental planting in the garden, fragrance from leaves or flowers, (and often both), flowers to attract honeybees, and the list could go on.
Basil
At the top of the list, for me, would be basil. It covers all of the uses that are mentioned in the above paragraph. The common sweet basil is an attractive foliage plant and is often planted in a container on a deck or patio. There are many different varieties, and the foliage color can vary widely from dark green to purple. The leaves are most often used for culinary purposes when they are freshly cut from the plant. Plants will send up spikes of white flowers that are a favorite of honeybees and it is best to harvest leaves from stems that have not flowered. Different varieties have leaves with many different flavors, Thai Basil, for example will have a spicy taste.
The leaves of basil can be harvested for later use in many different foods where the basil flavor is desired. My wife takes fresh basil leaves and puts them in freezer bags and then keeps them frozen until she wants to use them. She then takes out some of the frozen leaves and crumbles them into pasta or soups to get the basil flavor.
G&B Organics, 4-6-3 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
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Jiffy, 50 Peat Cell Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit, TS50HST-8
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Wilco, Professional Potting Soil
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Lavender
Another common herb that is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens is lavender. The blue and purple spikes of lavender flowers are a favorite cut flower for many gardeners. Lavender flowers are very easy to dry and are used in sachets and bundles are often used to scent drawers. Gather the flowering stems just as the flowers are opening. The flowers can then be hung in bunches in a shady area outdoors, in a garage or even in the kitchen.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a very popular garden plant and it most areas of the Willamette Valley, it will grow as an evergreen shrub in the garden. This past winter was a tough one for many plants including rosemary and the weather was too cold for them to survive. That is not the norm for us because I have had rosemary growing in my garden for five or more years and it has never died before this past winter season. Because of the general hardiness of rosemary, it can usually be used fresh throughout the year.
Sage
Many gardeners use sage in pots because of the unique foliage which can be green, purple, variegated with colors of purple, pink and white and some can be serrated. It is similar to rosemary in that it is often an evergreen perennial in our climate and the leaves can be used throughout the year. The leaves can also be dried and to get the best flavor, pick leaves before the plant flowers. Spread the leaves on a screen or cookie sheet and let them dry slowly in a shady area.
Potting Bench with Dry Sink, 911393
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Jiffy J312 Seed Starter Kit, 4.8 in L Tray, 2.2 in W Tray, 10.8 in H Tray, Sphagnum Peat Moss
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Get the Kids Involved
Growing and harvesting herbs can be good introduction on getting kids involved in gardening. Select a plant that they might like to taste such as basil, chives, mint, or parsley and they can watch the plant grow and munch or a leaf or two. Always emphasize to them that they should never eat any plant unless their parents have given permission.
Have fun with herbs and enjoy your garden!
Novelty Indoor Watering Can, White, 1/2-Gallon
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Jiffy Square Peat Pot Strips, 4 pk., 32 pots
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CowPots, 3 in., 12 pk.
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G&B, Seed Starter
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Mike’s garden is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and his advice is consistent with the mild climate there. His opinions of what works for his garden and backyard. Always read labels of products before using them. Your Wilco team is available if you have any questions specific to your area.
We would love to see your garden growing, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag Wilco Stores.
