Growing Herbs
Growing Basil
When to Plant Basil – When soil is warm, about May 20 in Zone 4.
How to Plant Basil – Plant seeds in garden or pots. Or plant starts.
Harvesting Basil – Pick leaves when plant is 6 inches tall. You can cut the stem off but cut about 3 inches above the ground. It will then re-grow. If you cut it off at ground level it takes too long to re-grow.
Growing Cilantro
When to Plant Cilantro – Put first plants in at end of May in Zone 4. Keep replanting every 2 weeks through June.
How to Plant Cilantro – Start with seed. Do not buy plants if you need your cilantro late for tomatoes. It does not keep producing.
After Planting Cilantro – Cilantro bolts when planted too soon and then it’s over the hill when you need it.
Harvesting Cilantro – You can pick when plant is 3 inches tall. It does not re-grow. I keep replanting every couple of weeks.
Growing Dill
When to Plant Dill – Plant early May through end of May in Zone 4.
How to Plant Dill – ½ inch deep row. Sprinkle seed thinly in row. You can grow in a pot also.
After Planting Dill – Just weed!
Harvesting Dill – If your pickles are not ready to make and the dill has seeded out, just pick and freeze. Be sure to put dill in a tight box or bags so your freezer doesn’t take on the dill aroma!
Growing Fennel
When to Plant Fennel – Plant at the end of May in Zone 4.
How to Plant Fennel – Start with plants.
After Planting Fennel – Just weed!
Harvesting Fennel – You can pick the fern or wait for the bulb to form.
Growing Mint
When to Plant Mint – Plant at the end of May in Zone 4.
How to Plant Mint – Start with plants.
After Planting Mint – Mint can take over your garden. It’s best to grow in pots in the garden. Just dig the pot into the soil.
Harvesting Mint – Harvest anytime you need it.
Growing Parsley
When to Plant Parsley – Late April to early May in Zone 4.
How to Plant Parsley – Plant starts in pots or field.
After Planting Parsley – Just weed!
Harvesting Parsley – I cut stems off, it will re-grow. You can use it all summer.
Growing Thyme
When to Plant Thyme – Plant at the end of May in Zone 4.
How to Plant Thyme – Start with plants.
After Planting Thyme – Just weed!
Harvesting Thyme – Cut off from stem whenever you need it.