Last year was my first time growing any type of herb. I found the saddest little half-dead pot of Lemon Balm at a home improvement store on clearance for $0.50. I took it home and planted it and boy did that little thing thrive. It flourished all summer and I was so proud. It really gave me an itch to plant more herbs, especially ones I cook with a lot. I imagine how lovely it would be to step right outside my front door and cut some fresh herbs for dinner.
Well, I decided to transform this planter, which was a flower box last year, into my little herb garden. I spent a lot of time researching what herbs to plant based on what I knew I would use in my cooking, as well as what would be okay to plant together. I ordered all of my herbs from Iowa Backyard Farmer. It was easy to order and pickup my herbs and they all looked so beautiful and healthy. Here’s what I planted in my herb planter:
Lemon Thyme
I’ve never used lemon thyme before, but I did get quite used to working with lemon balm last year, so I think this will be a fun herb to have. I planted to of these in each front corner of my herb planter.
Sweet Basil
Basil is obviously one of the most frequently used culinary herbs, but it can be so expensive at the store. I usually never purchase fresh basil because of that and the fact that it will wilt so quickly. I’m super excited to have my own basil plant to have an unlimited supply of fresh basil for pizzas, pastas, etc. I left a lot of space around my sweet basil since I know that it can become quite large.
Chives
I planted two chive starts in the back of my herb planter, since they can become quite tall. I am especially excited to put fresh chives over mashed potatoes. I’m sure I will use them a lot.
Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Of course, I needed parsley. So versatile, flavorful, and tasty. I planted two of these in the front of my herb planter. I will use this a lot in soups, sauces, roast chicken, and well, probaby most anything I cook.
Calypso Cilantro
I use cilantro so much. I usually pick up a package every time I go to the store, so I’m so excited to start using my own. I find that a little fresh cilantro sprinkled over tacos, enchiladas, or a burrito bowl really elevates the flavor so much.
I am really hoping that I will be as successful at growing all of these herbs as I was with my lemon balm last year. They have already grown so much since I planted them in the herb planter last week. Do you have a herb garden or herb planter? What are you growing this year?
I have such a hard time growing anything outside, except basil. My summer vegetable garden is always a mess. I started indoor gardening with a hydroponic system and have enjoyed that so far. I’m trying to decide if I want to move them outside for the summer–I’m worried I might be sending my little plants to their doom!
That sounds so awesome! It would be so nice to have fresh herbs right in the kitchen, and even in the winter time! If I were you, I would probably leave it. I don’t have much of a green thumb yet, so I tend to stick with whatever is working.
I love lemon balm! I’m so glad you created this planter. It turned out beautifully!!!
Thank you so much, Sonia! I’m glad I made it too! Hopefully it flourishes!
I LOVE IT! You will DEFINITELY succeed! Can’t wait for an update pic on Instagram mid season! I planted Lemon Balm for the first time this year..what are ways that you used it??
The bulk of it I just dried, but I also made Lemon Balm infused sugar. My favorite was a simple syrup I made and infused the lemon balm in. It was delicious in tea!
I love all the herbs you’ve chosen for your planter! It’ll be overflowing before you know it! I started planting herbs every Spring several years ago. The aroman is uplifting and the kids love experimenting with different flavors.
Oh thank you, Maria! I can’t wait for it to be full and overflowing!
Your little herb bed is so cute. I love it! I have a pot of lemon balm and chives that I have been growing for a few years now and they come back each year. Yours should too!
That’s awesome! I love using both of those herbs!
Beautiful herb planter box; I love how you re-purposed it from a flower box. Your herbs look beautiful! Thank you for the encouragement I needed to plant more herbs!
Thank you so much, Teresa! I wish you the best of luck growing your herbs!
Sweet basil is my favorite thing to grow!
I just used it in my cooking for the first time two nights ago! So fun!