French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the commonly grown temperate-zone tarragon, with a sweet anise flavor, used for culinary purposes. Clip the leaves into salads and on top of soups, to flavor sauces, or with shellfish, fish, chicken, and turkey. French tarragon plants grow up to 24 inches high and 12 inches wide in two years. The leaves are narrow, up to 2 inches long, and have a fresh green color. The flowers are tiny, pale green, and sterile. Don't confuse it with Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides), a close relative which has no flavor. Tarragon is not particular about temperature and can be grown from Zone 2 to Zone 9. Tarragon’s roots must have fast-draining soil to prevent rot. Plant tarragon in a raised bed where good drainage is ensured. Divide tarragon in late winter or early spring. Young plants need to be watered every other day during dry weather. Mature plants should be watered every three days to encourage a continual supply of fresh leaves. Mature plants can survive for long periods without water, but under these conditions they will not grow new leaves. Although average to good garden soil is adequate for tarragon, top-dress with compost every winter to ensure that plants growing for six or seven years do not lose their flavor. If your soil is acidic, tarragon benefits from an application of dolomite for alkalinity and magnesium. Container growing is easy and works well for one season, but the roots soon take up the space of all but the largest container, and the leaves lose flavor. We have had no problems from pests and diseases and theorize that the anise flavor works as a repellent. Cut back in June for a continuous harvest. Preserve the leaves in vinegar, or chop and freeze tarragon in water in ice cube trays. However you handle it, tarragon in the kitchen is a delight, as its delicate flavor complements many foods.
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French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the commonly grown temperate-zone tarragon, with a sweet anise flavor, used for culinary ... more

Dill is a culinary herb with a distinctive flavor that's a cross between celery and fennel. Native to Europe and Asia, dill plays a big role in seasoning pickled foods that will be jarred or canned and stored for winter. Beyond that, both the leaves and seeds are used to season a variety of dishes. Dill's feathery foliage can be quite ornamental, which makes it a nice addition to flower beds, where it will attract polllinators and butterflies, especially the Eastern black swallowtail butterfly. It blends well with other plants, whether used as foliage or for a bright spot of color—just be sure to keep its self-sowing habit in check by deadheading flower heads before they go to seed. Although it has a delicate appearance, dill is actually a fairly cold-hardy plant. Mature plants are multi-branched and upright with finely dissected leaves. The wide, flat flowers can make the plant top-heavy and cause it to bend over. The entire plant is extremely fragrant—the foliage and seeds are most commonly thought of as seasonings, but the flowers are also edible.
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Dill is a culinary herb with a distinctive flavor that's a cross between celery and fennel. Native to Europe and ... more

"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, "Phenomenal"'s spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) A superior plant for hot, dry slopes and banks, rock gardens, and natural rocky outcroppings. Good in Mediterranean style gardens, traditional mixed borders, and large artistic pots. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained, alkaline soils in full sun. Used in perfumes, sachets, oils and for medicinal purposes. Used to deter insects when placed in a closet or room. Attracts butterflies. Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune to shape in spring after new leaves appear. Prune back to 8” in spring every 3 years to control plant size and to promote robust, new growth.
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"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance ... more

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, & improve appetite. Nowadays it is used extensively as a mosquito repellant and to attract bees. Chewing a leaf will freshen your breath, or you can soothe a bug bite by placing a leaf of lemon balm on it. It's delicious sprinkled on fruit salad, mixed into muffins, or made into tea. Use it to flavor water or butter. Vigorous grower with scent of lemon.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far ... more

Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. It is often used as a tea in African countries such as Togo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Latin American countries such as Mexico. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. Due to its tropical nature, lemongrass usually only survives winters in zones 8 and warmer. In middle Tennessee, try growing lemongrass as an annual in planting beds or tucked into pots. This citrus-flavored grass overwinters well in a dormant state in a cool, dark spot indoors, or you can grow it as an indoor herb through winter in colder zones. Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock. Start harvesting as soon as plants are 12 inches tall and stem bases are at least ½-inch thick. Cut stalks at ground level, or hand-pull entire stalks. You want to get the entire swollen base, which resembles a scallion or green onion. If a few roots come up with the stalk, don’t worry: It won’t harm the plant. The edible portion of lemongrass is near the bottom of the stalk. Carefully cut off the grassy top part of the plant; use caution, as this can be razor-sharp at times. Leaves can be bundled and added to the liquid in a teapot or stock pot, then simmered to infuse lemon flavor into the brew. Take the lemongrass base and peel the outer fibrous layer to expose the inner white, reedy part. To store, freeze this part either whole or chopped. To make slicing easier, first crush the stem base with the flat blade of a knife. The heart of the stalk (the part you want) has the consistency of soft butter and will then slice easily.
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Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has ... more

Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your first frost and have beautiful well-established, rapidly growing plants come up in the spring! It is easy to grow, & spreads rapidly. Water regularly until well established and provide about a half day of sun. When first frost approaches mulch to protect from the winter weather. The leaves of the Chocolate Mint plant die back in winter, and the plant resprouts early the next spring. It is virtually care-free. This is a very strong mint used for teas, with a smell like a peppermint patty. Add fresh leaves to strawberries for a special treat! It's great dried and added to black tea or used by itself.
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Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It’s fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas. Lemon mint grows to about 30 inches (76 cm.) and produces tight, spike-shaped clusters of lavender flowers. There are several good reasons to grow lemon bee balm plants in your garden. Many gardeners choose this plant for its ability to attract pollinators and for its delightful, lemony aroma. As an herb, it also has some culinary uses. The leaves add a lemon flavor to cooked foods, salads, and teas. They can also be used in potpourri mixes.
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Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more

This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 feet when growing in full sun to part shade. Leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge. White and pink flowers in short spikes bloom from mid to late summer. Very fragrant, citrus-like scent. Orange mint thrives alongside water gardens or in damp spots in the yard, but will also survive in drier soil. Lushest growth occurs in moist soil in partial shade, where you may want to leave it in its pot to help curtail its wandering ways. Crush fresh leaves into water for a refreshing beverage, or add to iced tea or cold drinks. Use fresh leaves in salads or to make mint sauce for fish or lamb. Try making orange mint jelly and orange mint vinegar. Pick leaves frequently. Plants open pink blooms in late summer.
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This mint has fuzzy leaves with a sweet orange flavor, and green, branching stems tinged with red that reach 2 ... more

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use. Peppermint is often used as tea and for flavoring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory. For companion gardening, it is recommended that you grow mint near roses, to help keep aphids away. It may also repel rodents.
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Peppermint generally grows best in moist, lightly shaded locations, with a good supply of water, not water-logged. Peppermint has a ... more

Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone and cineol. It's a spreading plant great for containers and tolerant of light frost. Its leaves are harvested just before flowering stage for culinary purposes, or gathered in full flower for distillation of essential oils. Wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry with absorbent paper, & store in vegetable compartment of refrigerator for use in near future. Dried spearmint is used in teas & drinks. To dry, spread leaves on a plastic sheet, allow to dry under shade, & store in airtight container in cool place away from sunlight. It’s the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea.
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Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients. It does not contain as much menthol as peppermint, but is ... more

An interesting alternative to lemon balm, the leaves of orange mint are infused with an intoxicating scent of Mandarin Orange, and are very popular for brewing a calming tea. The leaves can also be used to flavor soups, salads, fish dishes and herb vinegars. Dried leaves can be added to homemade potpourri or herb pillows. This plant is very nice for growing along walkways or in patio containers, where the scent can be appreciated. Bees love this plant! Plant where the scent can be enjoyed. Can be used to replace grated lemon rind in fish and chicken dishes. The dry leaves can be used for tea. Popular for sachets and potpourri.
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An interesting alternative to lemon balm, the leaves of orange mint are infused with an intoxicating scent of Mandarin Orange, ... more

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves of this plant are used to flvor tomato dishes, meat dishes, stews, stuffings, and pasta. It grows 6-12" tall by 18-24" wide. It grows well in a rock garden, border, mass planting, and as a ground cover. It grows best in full sun and will even tolerate light foot traffic. It grows well in full sun in zones 4-9.
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Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has a mild peppery flavor with golden yellow leaves which turn lime green in winter. The leaves ... more

In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. It is also used to prepare a tea that is believed to be a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and to stimulate menstruation. As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. You can begin harvesting when plants have reached 4-5 inches in height. Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems and a fuller plant. The stems tend to get woody, and the easiest way to strip the leaves is to hold the stem by the top, uncut end and run your finger down the stem. Greek oregano also makes a nice edging plant and ground cover, requiring little maintenance.
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In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables ... more

As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican dishes, spicy salsa, and chili dishes. A good substitute in recipes calling for common oregano, though reduce amount by half of what the recipe calls for. The rich green rounded foliage and pink summer flowers also look great in the herb garden or mixed border.
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As the name suggest, this pungent, highly aromatic oregano has the bold flavors that are the building blocks of Mexican ... more

NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and will need some growing time before you can harvest. This slightly peppery and bright herb is so much more than a bit of green on the side of your plate. Parsley is a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and fiber. Raw parsley also acts as a breath freshener and has anti-inflammatory properties. To store parsley, rinse with cool water and then wrap in a slightly damp paper towel in a resealable plastic bag and keep in the fridge. You can dry your fresh parsley by tying a bunch together and hanging it upside down in a cool, dry place. When the parsley is completely dry, remove the stems and store the dried leaves in an airtight container. You can also dry out your parsley in a slightly warm (100 degrees F) oven or in a dehydrator.
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NOTE: Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will live for only two years. These plants are still very young and ... more

Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said to improve the memory, and is a symbol of remembrance at weddings and funerals. The leaves are used to flavor various foods, like stuffings and roast lamb, pork, chicken and turkey, as well as barbeque. Rosemary contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, some of which may be useful in preventing or treating cancers, strokes, and Alzheimer's Disease. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean area and to Asia, and can withstand prolonged droughts. It can grow quite large and retain attractiveness for many years, can be pruned into formal shapes and low hedges, and has been used for topiary. It is easily grown in pots, and since it may not be reliably hardy in this area, it is recommended that you plant it in a container which can be brought inside, at least into a sunny garage window for some protection, in winter.
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Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said ... more

Large, broad, fragrant dark green leaves and a decidedly upright shape with good, sturdy growth make this rosemary a garden standout. Gorizia ‘s strong upright stems make good skewers for the grill, and its mild flavor make this one good for culinary uses. Gorizia does best in full sun but it will tolerate partial shade. The plant prefers a well-drained soil and has some drought tolerance, thus it shouldn’ t be over-watered. This stunning rosemary provides considerable winter interest in the garden and blooms with pinkish to medium blue flowers repeatedly during spring and summer. It usually attains 4 to 5 feet in height and maintains an almost columnar upright form, as opposed to more shrubby varieties. Rosemary Culture: A rewarding plant to grow, rosemary has few problems. It needs excellent drainage; though full sun is desirable, rosemary can tolerate a considerable amount of high shade. Since it has many tiny, shallow roots, rosemary is sensitive about water – neither too much nor too little, as starving for water causes it to wilt. Heavy mulching will help it survive cold spells and also the high heat of summer. Prune dead or damaged portions in early spring.
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Large, broad, fragrant dark green leaves and a decidedly upright shape with good, sturdy growth make this rosemary a garden ... more

Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage butterflies & improve the flavor of cabbage. It can be grown in containers. This aromatic and slightly bitter herb is noted for its use in stuffings for poultry, rabbit, pork, & baked fish. It also can be used in sausage or meat loaves. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle & hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry & brittle, remove the leaves & store in airtight containers. Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal uses include: *insect repellent *fragrance in potpourris *infusions to color hair silver *stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions. *flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. *fresh sage added to salads. *herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. *said to have some medicinal qualities.
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Sage grows 2 to 3 feet tall & has a tendency to sprawl. It attracts bees; & helps repel cabbage ... more

Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall with a wide, rounded form, short leaves, and bright red, long, spiky flowers that give it a Christmassy look. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, blooming from late summer to early fall when other food sources are scarce. The crushed plant leaves smell like pineapple, hence comes the common name of the pineapple sage plant. The leaves and flowers of the pineapple sage plant are edible and very aromatic, a great garnish, flavoring agent and decorative element for food. Their rich flavor goes well with breads, sandwiches, smoothies, salsa, fritters and chicken dishes. It makes good teas and jellies. The flowers contain anthocyanins, which have antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, to lower blood pressure and to treat insomnia, anxiety and nervous system disorders.
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Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage plant, is a frost-tender perennial that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to ... more

Stevia is a South American herb used as a natural sweetener for centuries. The leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant have a refreshing taste, zero glycemic index, zero calories and zero carbs. It is 25-30 times sweeter than sugar, and far more healthy! As a sweetener and sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar. Because stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets. For more information about uses for this plant, see http://stevia.com/ and http://www.stevia.net/ .
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Stevia is a South American herb used as a natural sweetener for centuries. The leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant ... more

Thyme is a low growing, woody perennial. It is most fragrant and flavorful when grown in dry, lean soil. Too much moisture will rot the plants. The pink, lavender or white tubular flowers are very popular with bees. A Mediterranean herb, thyme holds its flavor in cooking and blends well with other flavors of the region, like garlic, olive oil and tomatoes. It is flavorful fresh and dried. It makes a nice complement to tomato sauces, cheeses, eggs and vegetables. It can also be used to flavor jellies, breads, vinegars, marinades, sauces and in bouquet garni. Thyme is also considered to have antiseptic and preservative properties and has long been used medicinally as well as when preserving meats. Established thyme plants can be harvested at any time. Simply snip a few stems. The blossoms are also edible and are at their best when first opening. Thyme is often used as a ground cover, and trailing varieties look well in pots, especially the golden and variegated varieties. Thyme can be used as an edger, but it has a tendency to die out in spots.
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Thyme is a low growing, woody perennial. It is most fragrant and flavorful when grown in dry, lean soil. Too ... more

Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green leaves with a hint of gold edging. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon flavoring. Lemon Thyme added to marinade is great with fish or chicken. Lemon Thyme's glossy green foliage can be sheared to form one of the knots in a traditional knot garden. Easy to grow, lemon thyme needs only a regular light pruning after the first year. It tolerates drought and deep freezes well. It is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil with a pH of about 7.0; it prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Add lime to raise the pH if needed, and a slow-release fertilizer at or before planting and again each spring. Mulching with limestone gravel or builder’s sand improves drainage and prevents root rot. Plant thyme in your herb garden, at the edge of a walk, along a short garden wall, in containers, along a walkway and between steps. The flowers open in spring and summer and are attractive to bees. Harvest leaves as you need them, including through the winter. Strip the tiny leaves from woody stems before using.
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Lemon Thyme grows like English Thyme but definitely smells and tastes like lemon. Lemon Variegated Thyme has beautiful vibrant green ... more

Dried Chipotle pepper, ground: The chipotle pepper is a red Jalapeno, dried with the hottest capsaicin parts removed, which are the veins and seeds. They come in a plastic 4 oz. bottle with a seal and a flip top lid and a shaker under the lid. They are packed full with natural herb and ground to a powder in my spice grinder. No chemicals are used in my garden. Pretty much organic, but not certified. NOTE: I have several different culinary herbs used for cooking. I have several different medicinal teas. I have a few home sewn POTHOLDERS, OVEN MITS, and TEA BAGS. Happy cooking! Cheryls Neighborhood Garden
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Dried Chipotle pepper, ground: The chipotle pepper is a red Jalapeno, dried with the hottest capsaicin parts removed, which are ... more