grow your own, nevada! spring 2012: growing herbs

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?

Contact Information

Kerry Seymour, MS, RD

Email: seymourk@unce.unr.edu

Phone: (775) 784-4848

Thank You!