How to choose the best herbs to grow

Grow chives, dill, peppermint, parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon balm, cilantro and lavender in containers! (Credit: Jennifer Higgs)

My container garden varies year-to-year. But it always includes plants to help bees. Some are just for eating. And most are staples in my DIY cosmetics recipes!

Plants for DIY recipes:


Lavender -- an exfoliant in cold-process soap
Rosemary -- for shampoo (for people and pets), foot soak and mouthwash
Peppermint -- also for shampoo

I quizzed Tara, herbalist with the Rocky Mountain Soap Company (@RockyMtnSoap), for her tips and tricks:

If you could grow only one herb, what would it be?

Peppermint! It aids digestion and treats nausea and headaches. You can use it in teas, tinctures, compresses, poultices, salves, syrups and in water.

For example, combine peppermint with elder and yarrow to treat fevers. Or use as a cold tea for a compress to relive puffy or swollen eyes. (Lindsay: I've used it to treat sunburn!)

Which herbs grow best in containers?

Try chives, dill, peppermint, parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon balm, cilantro and lavender.

Which herbs are easy to forage?

It depends on where you are and the time of year. Try dandelion, chickweed, fireweed, lamb's quarters, shepherd's purse, plantain, and nettle shoots or leaves. Buy a book!

Is it better to grow herbs from seed or plants?

Some herbs are easy to start from seed. Others take long to germinate and grow. Plants from seed tend to grow stronger but need more time and effort.

Try basil, borage, calendula, chervil, coriander, dill, lemon balm, parsley and sage. Before you start, always check the seed packet for germination requirements.

What else should herb growers ask of their garden stores?

Choose non-GMO and medicinal-grade seeds guaranteed to be fresh. Freshness will be better from retailers that specialize in seed sales.

Share your DIY garden herb recipe in the comments to win a Rocky Mountain Soap Company prize package. (Draw date: August 8.)

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

Hey! Want more DSF? Join David Suzuki on Facebook