Herb Gardening is becoming more and more popular in Houston and around the United States.
Herbs
Their popularity is gaining momentum
Herbs are very popular with the gardeners in Houston. They can be a beautiful addition to a landscape and a must in the kitchen for the skilled chef in your home.
Even though herbs can be grown successfully in garden beds, a high percentage of herbs nowadays are being grown in containers. You have more control over their care when they can be moved to protect them from low temperatures or move them to a cooler location in the hottest part of the summer. Plants in pots need to be watered and fertilized more frequently than if they are planted in the ground. Use a well drained light weight potting mix that contains peat moss. Fertilize regularly. Be sure when mixing different herbs in the same pot that you put varieties together that have the same water requirements. Otherwise, some are going to be over or under watered
Herbs are a large diverse group of plants. They each have their own special needs when it comes to light conditions, watering, and temperature.
Popular Houston Herbs
Below is a quick reference guide to the growing conditions and uses for the most popular herbs grown in Houston.BASIL -- Annuals for full sun. Loves the heat. Keep mulched and well watered. Pinch off bloom stalks as much as possible. Watch out for slugs and snails. Uses- Italian sauces
BAY LAUREL -- Tender evergreen for full sun. Grows to over 10 ft. Scale insects occasionally attack. Use a dormant oil spray for control. Used in stews and soups.
BORAGE -- Annual for sunny areas. Grows to 2 ft. Aphids like them. Spray with insecticidal soap for control. Used in salads and teas.
BURNET, SALAD -- Evergreen to 18 inches that likes the sun. Do not allow to flower. Tastes like cucumbers. Use tender new growth. Great for salads.
CATNIP -- Sometimes called catmint. Hardy perennial that grows to about 2 ft. Full sun to part shade. Pests : Cats! Makes a soothing tea.
CHAMOMILE -- Cool season annual for sunny locations. Needs good drainage. Grows to about 6 inches. Relatively pest free. Teas are made from the flowers.
CHIVES -- Hardy perennial to 1 ft. Thrives in full sun. Likes a rich moist soil. Do not cut all the way to the ground. Watch for aphids. Use an insecticidal soap for control. Used from salads to casseroles.
CORIANDER / CILANTRO -- Cool season tender annual. Needs good drainage. Grows to 2 ft. Used in Mexican and Asian dishes.
CUBAN OREGANO -- Actually a type of coleus that has the fragrance of oregano. A tender perennial for partial shade. Grows to 3 ft. Mealy bugs are a pest. Use insecticidal soap for control.
DILL -- A cool weather annual that grows to 4 ft. Needs full sun. Slugs and snails can be a problem.
FENNEL -- Perennial for sunny locations. Grows to about 4 ft. Slugs and snails can be a problem. Fish ,soups,salads and stews.
LAVENDERS -- French and Spanish lavender are recommended. English lavender is cold hardy but struggles in the summer. They all need lots of sun and great drainage. Great for a scented garden.
LEMON BALM -- Perennial that grows to nearly 2 ft. Likes bright light but not hot afternoon sun. Makes a great lemon tea. Also soups and salads.
LEMON GRASS -- Grassy perennial that needs full sun. Grows to about 3 ft. Adds lemon flavor to many dishes.
LEMON VERBENA -- Tender shrubby perennial that grows to 4 ft. Needs a lot of sun. Adds lemon flavor to many dishes.
LOVAGE -- Cool weather perennial. Grows in full sun to over 3 ft. Used in stews, casseroles, vegetables and fish
MARJORAM -- Use as an annual. Best in the Fall or Spring. Grows to 1 ft. Full sun to partial shade. Keep on the dry side. Used in sauces, on meats and in stews.
MINTS -- Most are hardy perennials. Full sun to bright shade. Invasive in the garden. Fertilize sparingly. Used in teas, candies, jellies.
OREGANO -- Many varieties. Mostly perennials. Most varieties get 6-18 inches tall. Many uses in all kinds of dishes.
PARSLEY -- Grow as an annual. Plant in the Fall. Needs some shade in the summer. Heavy feeder. Watch for snails and slugs. Italian Flat Leaf is easier to grow and has superior flavor. Garnish or for cooking.
PATCHOULI -- Heat loving tender shrubby perennial. Grows to 4 ft. and needs full sun. Used in perfumes and potpouri.
PENNYROYAL -- Perennial that grows best in part shade. Creeping ground cover to 6 inches. In the mint family.
ROSEMARY -- Upright and prostrate varieties. Perennial for full sun or part shade. Water frequently but not heavily. Spider mites and mealy bugs attack rosemary. Use insecticidal soap for control. Used on pork,chicken and potatoes.
RUE -- Perennial that grows to 2 ft. tall and wide. Full sun. Drought tolerant. Wear gloves when working with this plant. Can cause skin irritation. Can be used in stews and salads.
SAVORY -- Summer savory is an annual and grows to about 12 inches. Winter savory is an evergreen and also grows to a foot. Grow in full sun and water sparingly in cool weather.
THYME -- Creeping varieties not suitable for culinary use. Try the taller varieties for the kitchen. They need a sunny location and excellent drainage. Used in poultry.
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