Creating a Basic Culinary Garden

Creating a Basic Culinary Garden

If you love cooking with fresh ingredients, it’s time to start planning your own culinary garden! A simple yet productive herb garden can fit into an 8ft by 4ft bed or even an existing vegetable garden. The key is to plant herbs that are easy to grow and thrive in sunlight.

Tall Herbs for the Back of the Garden

Plant the tallest herbs in the back so they don’t shade smaller plants. Here are some excellent choices:

• Tarragon – Perfect for chicken dishes, especially with lemon and capers.

• Lemon Balm – A fragrant herb great for teas.

• Dill – Essential for pickling and adds fresh flavor to salads and seafood.

• Sage – Used in cooking and dried for aromatic bundles.

• Bergamot – A beautiful herb for teas and salads.

• Mint – Ideal for teas, infused water, and cooking. However, mint spreads aggressively, so it’s best grown in a container. If planted in the ground, mowing mint releases a wonderful scent and naturally repels insects.

Mid-Garden Herbs

The center of the garden should be home to medium-height herbs that provide a variety of flavors:

• Cilantro – A must-have for tacos, guacamole, and salsas.

• Chives – Great for garnishing potatoes, salads, and soups.

• Basil – The star of the garden! Perfect for bruschetta, pesto, salads, and pasta.

• Oregano – A classic herb for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

• Chamomile – A delicate herb used for calming teas.

• Sage – Adds depth to savory dishes and herbal remedies.

• Lavender – Beautiful and fragrant, excellent for teas, desserts, and even homemade sachets.

• Rosemary – A robust herb that pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables.

• Lemon Verbena – Wonderful for teas and adding citrusy flavor to dishes.

• Calendula – A vibrant edible flower with medicinal benefits.

Low-Growing Herbs for the Edges

The border of your garden is perfect for low-growing, spreading herbs that provide fresh flavor and beauty:

• Lemon Thyme – A citrus-scented thyme perfect for seafood and poultry.

• Parsley – A versatile herb for garnishing and adding brightness to dishes.

• Nasturtiums – Edible flowers with a peppery bite, great for salads and garnishes.

By planting these herbs, you’ll have fresh flavors at your fingertips to enhance your favorite recipes. A well-planned culinary garden not only adds beauty to your space but also provides endless inspiration for home-cooked meals!