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?