Growing Spring Herbs: An Easy Reference For 13 Of My Faves
Herbs are their own thing, ya know? They really do make a dish sing, and they make a garden function. I use them as fillers in the garden when it comes to placing them, as they act as great pest control and companions while helping nourish the soil.
Here are my favorite Spring herbs to grow, how to tend them, and where I like to place them.
Chives
Chives like full sun and are a great companion to any strawberries and brassicas (broccoli, romanesco, Brussels sprouts, cabbage). They act as a great pest deterrent because of their strong smell.
Basil
Basil is a sun worshipper, and it LOVES to be harvested. Get out and cut your basil as often as possible. I like to place basil with peppers or tomatoes in a full-sun situation.
Mint
Watch out for this guy, he will take over. Seriously. They say the only way to get rid of mint is to burn it. I believe that to be true, so consider planting him in a container!
Rosemary
Rosemary can live as a perennial where I am, so it turns into a giant shrub that gets quite woody. Bees love rosemary and for me, it does well in a little bit of shade with water about 3 times a week.
Parsley
Lots of sun and water for parsley, however, I’ve successfully grown it beneath an avocado tree. This guy is great amongst tomatoes, peppers, onions, and peas.
Sage
Sage doesn’t like to sit in water, so make sure the soil drains well. Also, it likes warmth – think 60 – 70 degrees, so this is a late Spring addition if you ask me.
Thyme
Thyme likes the heat and full sun as well – in my garden I leave it year-round in the sunniest bed we have.
Oregano
Oregano likes full sun, but needs less water than most herbs. Also, the more sun it gets, the stronger the flavor! Mine was tucked under some tomatoes for a while and did fine, but didn’t thrive. Once I pulled out the tomatoes, she was much happier.
Dill
There are many varieties of dill, with Dill Bouquet being popular at nurseries. However, I’ve planted Fernleaf which the swallowtail butterflies really love. Also, consider placing Dill close to citrus, where swallowtail caterpillars love to munch on leaves.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Related to mint, this plant can get crazy and take over. Consider planting in a container in the ground. Will survive some cold cold of late winter/ early Spring, and is fantastic as a calming tea.
Nasturtium
Ah, my favorite plant. Spicy flowers with mild leaves, this lady is actually a cool season crop for me, and if planted in Spring, plant as early as you can. She will self-seed and likes full sun in the cool weather, but shade in warmer climates.
Borage
This edible flower (and leaves) likes a little bit of shade and can get quite big. She likes cooler weather as well, so direct sow her first thing as Spring approaches.
Calendula
I had to add in this flowering herb because she’s so good for you! Too much sun and she’ll die, so she’s an early Spring or Fall addition to the garden. Can do well in shade, likes to be deadheaded, and you only really have to occasionally water these guys. Oh also, they can grow well in even poor soil like my clay – woo!
I used to think that all herbs were created equal, but they certainly have nuances. They make a fantastic addition to any garden and are some of my favorite plants to grow. Good luck this season!