When getting started with organic gardening, it can be a bit overwhelming. What
should you grow first? There’s endless possibilities!
Well, we’re here to simplify the process. Using our nutritional expertise and personal
gardening experience, we have compiled 5 easy-to-grow herbs with both culinary and
medicinal uses. No matter how new you are to gardening, these herbs are sure to
become staples in your kitchen and medicine cabinet!
Basil
Fresh basil is an essential component of many Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It’s known for
its fresh, peppery flavor profile that pairs well with tomato. Who doesn’t love fresh pesto?
In herbal medicine, basil is used for its high antioxidant content. Basil, especially holy basil, is
known to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics and ease digestive upset.
Basil is easy to grow and propagate. They prefer full sun (~8 hrs of sun), but can also flourish in
partial shade (~4-6 hrs of sun). Basil prefers moist, well draining soil, and will do best when
planted in warmer temperatures.
Leaves should be harvested from the top of the plant and used fresh.
Oregano
Oregano is an essential herb for Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cooking. Its distinctive
flavor is great for sauces, marinades, and soups and it pairs well with most meats.
Oregano has long been known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is a powerful
antioxidant that works to fight inflammation and regulate blood sugar.
In the garden, Oregano is adaptable and simple to grow. It can live in full sun or part shade, and
in a variety of soil conditions.
Harvesting regularly encourages growth. Its flavor becomes stronger when the leaves are dried.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a fragrant, unmistakable flavor used to add a savory note to Mediterranean
meals. It pairs especially well with more neutral bases, like chicken and bread.
Medicinal uses for rosemary center around the brain and nervous system. It is beneficial for
those suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety. It has also been shown to improve memory
and cognition, even in those with Alzheimer’s. Rosemary tea can be used as a hair rinse to
stimulate hair follicles.
Rosemary is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. It adapts well to full sun or partial shade. It is
drought and heat tolerant once established and can be grown in containers or in-ground.
Rosemary should be harvested in sprigs when the plant is not blooming. It’s flavor is stronger
when fresh, but it can also be dried.
Mint
In culinary spaces, mint is known to pair well with gamier meats such as lamb and venison. It’s
also used to give a refreshing twist to ice cream, tea, cocktails, and other beverages.
In medicine, fresh mint leaves have been found to soothe indigestion, stomach pain, and
bloating. It’s a must-have plant for IBS sufferers! When distilled into oil, its properties open
further, easing sinus congestion, tension headaches, and migraine.
Mint is extremely prolific, and even the blackest of thumbs can have success growing it. It is so
fast growing, that it should never be planted in the ground or share a container unless you’d like
a sprawling mint field.
Mint is harvested from the top, with the cuts spurring more growth. Flower buds can be pinched
off to encourage more foliage growth.
Chamomile
A staple in sleepy-time teas, chamomile is many people’s first introduction to herbal medicine. It
has a delicate, floral flavor that can be used in traditional desserts and, of course, tea.
While a well-known natural sleep aid, chamomile can also improve mood, calming stress and
anxiety. It also holds antioxidant and anit-inflammatory properties which can help fight infections,
acne, muscle cramps, and even sciatica.
Chamomile makes a beautiful addition to the garden. It is easy to grow and blooms from
summer to fall in full sun. They can thrive in poor quality or sandy soil, and are drought tolerant
once established.
Flowers should be harvested on a sunny day at peak bloom. Flowers can be used fresh or
dried.
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