Adding fresh garden herbs to favorite food and drinks is one of the greatest joys of summer. But you need to plant your herbs with care to make those moments happen.
Some herbs are delicate and die during the first extended frost. Basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, fennel, rosemary, sage, tarragon will thrive for months when planted directly into the ground in direct sun. These herbs won’t spread or return the following year (although sometimes the cilantro, fennel, and dill seeds from the prior season will replant). Generally, these herbs stop growing when cold weather rolls in and must be reseeded or replaced the following season.
Oregano, thyme, and especially mint (all types of mint) are hearty perennials that spread through your ground garden. Oregano and thyme are easier to control but mint can spread quickly and crowd out other vegetation. We recommend containing these herbs in large pots that get full sun.
But if you lack garden space, all of these herbs may be grown in pots when given ample soil and room to grow. Whether you’re making fresh basil pesto or muddling mint for your favorite summer drink, sort your pots and garden early to reap a full season of fragrant, outdoor living and fresh, delicious eating.
Sarah O’Farrell is a member of the Verona Environmental Commission and this post is adapted from the VEC newsletter. The VEC meets the second Wednesday of each month, except for August via internet conferencing. To find out more about VEC events, please follow it on Facebook and Instagram, visit its website or contact it at [email protected].
Upcoming Environmental Events
• Earth Day Poster Contest Awards Ceremony
April 8 at the Verona Town Council Meeting at 7 p.m.
All Verona Public School 4th graders are invited to participate!
• Earth Day Assemblies
April 9-10 at Brookdale and Forest Avenue Schools. Assemblies will focus on best recycling practices and no idling.
• Earth Day Celebration, Cleanup and Tree Giveaway
Saturday, April 20, 9-11a.m at Grove Park (rain date April 21st)
The VEC will be giving away 300 tree seedlings
• National Trails Day Cleanup
Peckman River and Trail; behind F.N. Brown Elementary School
Saturday, June 1, 9 -11a.m.
Webinars
You can view VEC webinars and other informative videos on the VEC YouTube page.
In January, the VEC and Sustainable Verona’s Green Team partnered to present:
“Backyard Composting in Verona”
