Growing your own herbs means having direct access to an explosion of freshness without even leaving the house. Imagine stepping onto the terrace to pluck a few basil leaves for your tomato salad or a sprig of rosemary to season your grilled meats. Beyond the practical side, it’s a brilliant way to integrate foodscaping into your landscaping, combining beautiful foliage with gourmet pleasures.
However, every herb has its own character, sun preferences, and—most importantly—its own harvesting technique to ensure vigorous regrowth. Here is how to make your flavour garden a success this summer.
1. A Taste of Italy: Timeless Classics
For many, the journey begins with the desire to recreate the sun-drenched aromas of the Mediterranean. This trio is the foundation of Italian cuisine and is incredibly easy to grow.
- Basil (Genovese, Thai, Lemon): The star of the summer!
- Growing: Requires full sun (6h+). It loves heat and fears the cold (do not move it outdoors until nights reach 12°C). Performs exceptionally well in pots or in the ground.
- How to harvest: Don't just pick individual leaves. Pinch off the main stem just above a pair of leaves to force the plant to branch out.
- Companion planting: Plant it next to your tomatoes to stimulate their growth.
- Parsley (Flat-leaf or Curly): Much more than just a garnish!
- Growing: Tolerates full sun but appreciates light afternoon shade. Keep the soil moist. It prefers deep pots or open ground.
- How to harvest: Cut the sturdiest stems from the outside of the plant, close to the ground. Leave the heart intact to ensure continuous production.
- Companion planting: It loves the company of asparagus and roses.
- Oregano: Essential for pizzas and sauces.
- Growing: Full sun. In the ground, it works as a groundcover, while in pots, it offers a beautiful trailing habit.
- How to harvest: Prune the stems just before flowering for maximum flavour. You can cut back up to a third of the stem without any issues.
- Companion planting: A valuable friend for peppers and cucumbers.
2. Flavours of the World: Go Exotic
If you love spicy dishes and global flavours, these herbs bring a distinctive touch to your international recipes or summer cocktails.
- Cilantro (Coriander): For your salsas and curries.
- Growing: Partial sun. It hates heatwaves (it will bolt/go to seed above 25°C). Prefers the ground to keep its roots cool.
- How to harvest: Like parsley, cut the outer stems near the base. Sow every 3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Companion planting: It thrives near spinach.
- Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint, Chocolate): Absolute freshness.
- Growing: Part shade to sun. Grow it exclusively in pots! It is an invasive plant that will take over your entire garden in Quebec if planted in the ground.
- How to harvest: Cut stems above a node (where leaves grow). The more you prune, the more vigorous it stays.
- Companion planting: Place your pots near cabbage to deter cabbage moths.
- Lemon Thyme: A surprising citrus note.
- Growing: Full sun and very well-drained soil. Perfect for rock gardens or terracotta pots.
- How to harvest: Cut the tips of the stems (5-10 cm). Avoid pruning into the woody (brown) part at the base.
- Companion planting: Attracts pollinators and protects broccoli.
3. Grilling & Classics: The BBQ Pillars
These robust herbs are your best allies for marinades and grilling sessions.
- Rosemary: The scent of the holidays.
- Growing: Intense full sun. Grow it in a pot in Quebec so you can bring it indoors for the winter, as it won't survive our frosts.
- How to harvest: Cut stem segments as needed, prioritizing the green, flexible parts.
- Companion planting: Protects carrots and beans.
- Sage: Beautiful velvety leaves.
- Growing: Full sun. It dislikes standing moisture. Very decorative in both pots and gardens.
- How to harvest: Pick leaves individually or cut the tips of the stems, ideally early in the morning.
- Companion planting: Place it near carrots, but far from cucumbers.
- Chives: The first to emerge from the soil in spring!
- Growing: Full sun to part shade. The champion of resilience. Best in the ground so it returns year after year.
- How to harvest: Use scissors to cut a bunch of stems about 2 cm from the ground. It will grow back in just a few days.
- Companion planting: Protects apple trees and roses from aphids.
Detailed additional information
- Watering: Opt for morning watering to avoid overnight moisture on the foliage.
- Harvesting: Regularly prune the tips to encourage branching.
- Fertilising: Use Simplement BO natural herb fertiliser every 15 days for container plants.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Visit us to pick out the most vigorous plants and start your flavour garden today!
