We’re diving into the world of herbs and spices. I’ll be sharing with you 30 – yes, you heard that right – different herbs and spices that you can easily grow in your garden, even in warm climates. These plants are incredibly versatile, and I use them for various purposes, from culinary delights to herbal remedies, immune-boosting teas, cleaning products, and even skincare. Stick around as we explore the wonderful world of herbs!
Why Herbs Are Great for Beginners:
When it comes to gardening, herbs are fantastic for beginners. They are generally smaller plants, making them suitable for containers or even a windowsill. Many herbs are perennials, meaning you plant them once, and they come back year after year. This makes them low-maintenance compared to fussy annual vegetables. Plus, growing your own herbs is a significant return on investment, especially considering the high cost of fresh or dried herbs in stores.
Disclaimer:
Before we jump into the list, a quick reminder: I’ll be using the terms “herbs” and “spices” interchangeably based on their usage, not their scientific classification. Also, since we’ll be discussing medicinal qualities, always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating herbs into your diet or wellness routine, as they may interact with medications or pre-existing conditions.
1. Basil:
Basil is a popular annual herb, with varieties like Genovese and Thai. Starting from seeds is recommended, and the key is to sow them just on the topsoil with a light covering. Harvest the leaves, which are used in culinary dishes like pesto. Regular harvesting prevents flowering, promoting bushier growth. It’s great for Italian seasoning mixes and should be used fresh for the best flavor.
2. Bee Balm:
Bee Balm comes in annual and perennial types. Growing it requires patience, as it stays small initially before producing long shoots of flowers. Regular cutting encourages more flowering. The flowers are dried for various herbal remedies, especially salves for bee stings. Bee Balm also helps with colds and coughs and can be used in a oxymel remedy.
3. Blackberry (and Raspberries):
Blackberries and raspberries are perennial bushes. While known for their fruits, their leaves are medicinal and used in teas. They require chill hours, so choose varieties suitable for your region. Leaves are cooked down for teas, providing a unique flavor. Dried leaves can be used for their medicinal properties.
4. Borage:
Borage is an annual herb that does well in sunny spots. Both leaves and flowers are edible, having a cucumber-like taste. The flowers are traditionally used in salads. Borage is used in teas and tinctures. Be cautious with consumption as large amounts over an extended period may affect the liver.
5. Calendula:
Calendula is an annual herb known as pot marigold. Flowers are harvested and dried, then infused into oils to create salves. It’s known for its antibiotic properties and is nicknamed “hippie Neosporin.” Regular harvesting encourages more flowers, and seeds can be saved for replanting.
6. Catnip:
Catnip is a short-lived perennial known for attracting cats. The leaves are dried and used in teas for humans, providing relaxation. It’s great for Sleepytime tea blends, contributing to a sense of calm. Catnip is a perennial that may last a couple of years.
7. Cilantro (and Culantro):
Cilantro is an annual herb that tends to bolt quickly. Culantro, a similar herb, is a better choice for warm climates. Culantro is more potent than cilantro and holds its flavor better when dried. It’s an excellent addition to culinary dishes.
8. Chamomile:
Chamomile comes in two types: Roman (perennial) and German (annual). Seeds are tiny and surface-sown. German chamomile is more potent and suitable for warm climates. Flowers are dried and used in teas. Chamomile is a favorite for relaxation and is a key ingredient in Sleepytime tea blends.
9. Chives:
Chives are perennial herbs with a mild onion flavor. They are easy to grow and suitable for containers. Use the green stems in culinary dishes, salads, or as a garnish. Regular cutting encourages continuous growth.
10. Cumin:
Cumin is an annual spice plant. It’s grown for its seeds, which are dried and ground to make the spice. The plant requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Harvest seeds when they turn brown, and store them for culinary use.
11. Citronella:
Citronella is a perennial plant known for its mosquito-repelling properties. While studies debate its effectiveness, it’s commonly used for its pleasant citrusy scent in mosquito repellent sprays.
12. Comfrey:
Comfrey is a perennial herb with medicinal qualities, particularly for wound care. However, caution is advised as the FDA has banned its ingestion in supplements beyond skincare.
13. Dill:
Dill is an annual herb that grows well in cooler months. Often interplanted with brassicas, it repels insects. Both the fronds and seeds of dill are used in culinary applications.
14. Echinacea:
Echinacea is a perennial herb used in cold medicines. Leaves and roots are utilized for creating medicinal tinctures, commonly found in homeopathic remedies.
15. Elderberry:
Elderberry is a perennial shrub that produces berries used in jams, jellies, and syrups. Known for its immune-boosting properties, it’s a common ingredient in homeopathic cold medicines.
16. Fire Bush:
Fire Bush is a native Florida plant with medicinal uses. Leaves and berries are consumed in teas, especially for addressing female issues and acting as a diuretic.
17. Garlic:
Garlic, while technically a vegetable, is included for its seasoning properties. It’s an annual that requires vernalization in the South. Besides culinary uses, it’s employed medicinally, for instance, in fire cider.
18. Ginger:
Ginger is a perennial herb propagated using rhizomes. Both its roots and leaves are used in culinary dishes. Freezing minced ginger in oil or drying it are common preservation methods.
19. Goldenrod:
Goldenrod is a perennial native to Florida, with leaves and flowers used in medicinal teas. It’s known for its benefits to urinary health and may help with issues like UTIs and yeast infections.
20. Lavender:
Lavender, a perennial herb, is often challenging to grow from seed. It finds use in various applications, including aromatherapy and teas, offering both ornamental and aromatic qualities.
21. Lemon Balm:
Grows easily and can become invasive so take care to plant in a container. Used in iced tea for its lemony taste or in salads for added punch. Culinarily employed as a lemon herb.
22. Lemongrass:
A perennial propagated through root splitting. Used in various culinary dishes, providing a lemon taste. Effective in creating a natural mosquito repellent.
23. Marshmallow:
The sweet confection is named after the plant. The root is consumed for its gelatinous texture. Traditionally used for coughs; considered for cough drops or tea coatings.
24. Milk Thistle:
Biennial plant known for liver support. Leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible. Used in a homeopathic remedy for a pet with elevated liver functions.
25. Mint:
Robust and nearly indestructible. Used in teas and desserts for its minty flavor. Beneficial for digestive issues and nausea.
26. Motherwort:
Medicinal herb for women, aiding in uterine issues and menstrual cramps. Acts as a diuretic and providing calming effects. Intended for use in tinctures and teas.
27. Oregano:
Resilient herb with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Culinary uses in Italian dishes. Medicinally employed in teas and as a sickness remedy.
28. Parsley:
Biennial herb high in vitamins. Used in culinary dishes and teas. Beneficial for digestion and kidney health.
29. Peach Tree (Peach Leaf):
Perennial fruit tree providing leaves for herbal teas. Requires specific chill hours for optimal growth. A nutritious addition to herbal tea blends.
30. Pepper Plant (Various Peppers):
Annual plant, with peppers used in cooking. Ideal for seasoning mixes like chili or taco seasonings. Varied pepper types, including ancho and paprika peppers.
31. Pineapple Sage:
Aromatic perennial herb with pineapple-mint scent. Leaves and flowers edible; flowers offer sweetness. Potential uses in salads, teas, and skincare products.
32. Rosemary:
Perennial herb, commonly used in Thanksgiving dishes. Propagated easily from cuttings for continuous growth. Potential medicinal use for migraines in tincture form.
33. John’s Wort:
Perennial herb used in supplements for mood disorders. Utilized for nerve pain relief. Aiming to create a tincture for personal use.
34. Sage:
Perennial herb, traditionally used in Thanksgiving stuffing. Propagated from cuttings for continued growth. Considered for medicinal use in tinctures for migraines.
35. Society Garlic:
Perennial herb with a strong garlic taste. Leaves and roots edible; potent and heat-producing. Ideal for cooked recipes and garlic powder.
36. Sorrel (Red Vein and Green):
Perennial herb with a lemony taste. Flourishes during fall and winter, dying back in hot weather. Ideal for use in salads, lemon iced tea, and cooked recipes.
37. Thyme:
Perennial herb used in various seasoning blends. Challenges in growing here in Florida. Culinary applications in Italian seasoning and herbs de providence.
38. Turmeric:
Grown from rhizomes, used for color and flavor. Offers an orange-yellow hue without an overpowering taste. Sought for potential medicinal benefits, especially for Alzheimer’s.
38. Vitex (Chaste Tree):
Fast-growing perennial tree primarily used for female support. Leaves dried into a powder for ingestion in smoothies or capsules. Requires pruning to control size.
These herbs contribute to a diverse garden, offering culinary delights, medicinal properties, and aromatic experiences. Happy Gardening!
