The Master Gardener Articles

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Having Fun with Herbs
Scheral Greider, Union County Master Gardener

 


Growing herbs is fun!  There are so many to choose from! 

You can do a theme garden or gardens, for example; Italian, medicinal, tea or just plant what ever herbs you like.  Herbs can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. Mix them with annual flowers in a container.  What a wonderful combination! Another twist would be to incorporate them into your landscape.  This idea is not new.  From ancient times through today, herbs are combined with ornamental plants.

Do your homework as several herbs can be invasive.  Anything in the mint family should be contained as it spreads fast and can take over an area very quickly.  But, that can be remedied by growing it in a container and not in the ground. 

I like growing chives, spearmint, dill, tarragon, curly parsley, and different types of basil.  I don’t necessarily eat all of the basil, but the fragrance is wonderful! There is also another benefit of growing parsley and dill; butterfly caterpillars love them.  Keep an eye on them and watch them go through their stages from caterpillar to a butterfly! 

Herbs are a great way to get children interested in gardening since they are easy to grow. 

Let your imagination go and see what you can do with herbs.

The Master Gardener Offers horticulture advice and tips, focusing on current issues by volunteers who are with The Ohio State University Extension, Union County Master Gardener Program. For answers to gardening questions, call 937.644.8117 or e-mail gmcvey@ag.osu.edu. Hourse are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday