More about the Herbs

Over the next few days, I will take 3 herbs each day and tell you a little bit about them. You will want to keep in mind how tall each herb grows, and how far apart they need to be planted. When you get a minute, take a piece of paper and sketch your garden area. If you plan to use pots, or tuck your herbs between current landscaping, it will still be helpful to make yourself a few notes. Note where the sun is in your garden at different times of the day. Do this many times during the spring and summer keeping notes and sketches in your garden journal.

Chamomile: You will commonly find German Chamomile and Roman chamomile. I use German Chamomile. It can grow to a height of 2 -3 feet. You can scatter the seeds in your garden after the last frost, or start the seeds inside. Chamomile likes full sun to partial shade. German Chamomile is not a perennial but will reseed . Roman Chamomile grows lower to the ground and will return each year. Chamomile is easy to grow. Chamomile will attract bees and butterflies. Plan about 12-18 inches apart. Chose either type.

Chamomile has calming effects and is wonderful in tea. Try a cup of Chamomile tea before bed. It has a slight apple-like taste. Chamomile also has properties that are good for the skin.

Cilantro: If you like cilantro, you will want to plant it continuously throughout the growing season. I use it quickly and I also want to allow some to go to seed (coriander) for harvesting. Plant it about every 2 - 3 weeks. Plant your seeds a 4” – 10” apart. You may need to thin if they all come up. Cilantro will grow best in full sun, however, from the middle of July through August, tuck it behind some taller plants for partial shade. Choose an area where it gets the morning sun but is shaded in the hot afternoon sun. Cilantro can bolt – quickly turn to seed- especially in the middle of summer if exposed to full sun the entire day - my first year, I harvest very little of the wonderful green cilantro greens believing it absolutely need full sun.

At first I had trouble getting my cilantro seeds started until someone shared this technique. Wet a few paper towels and place on a plate or platter. Place a dozen or so cilantro/coriander seeds on the wet paper towel. Fold the wet towel over the seeds and place the plate in a warm place such as a sunny window sill or on top of the refrigerator. After several days the seeds will sprout. Transfer them to a growing medium. Don’t worry, we can do that together.

Lavender: I purchase my lavender from a nursery. You may be able to find some at your local farmer’s market. I have tried lavender from seed, but have not had good luck. I am in growing zone 5, so I am hoping my lavender comes back, I will let you know. Luckily, I have friends who grow lots of lavender and have wonderful luck with it coming up each spring. The lavender I have in my garden is hidcote lavender, a very dark lavender. Lavender will grow about 15 – 24 inches. It makes a nice border. I planted mine about a foot apart.