Freshen up Your Herb Garden!
For those you, dear readers, who love gardening and cooking — today we have herbs you can start and grow in August. Yes! It is a great time to plant herbs such as parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, chives, basil, dill, rosemary, and mint.
Not only do these herbs add flavor to your dishes, but you will be amazed at their numerous health benefits and natural healing properties.
9 Herbs to Grow in August
1. Parsley
Parsley is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. It is known to promote a healthy digestive system, reduces inflammation, and boost the immune system. It is also a natural remedy for bad breath and can be used as a natural diuretic.
Adding freshly chopped parsley to your dishes can also give your food a pop of color and flavor.
Parsley is a hardy, easy-to-grow herb that can be planted in August for a bountiful harvest in the fall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
When planting parsley, make sure you water it regularly and add compost or fertilizer to the soil to ensure optimal growth.
Parsley can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use and can be used fresh or dried for later use.
2. Sage
Sage is an aromatic herb that is perfect for planting in August for a fall harvest. Research has shown that sage improves cognitive function, among the many other benefits of this overlooked herbal remedy.
This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, It needs to be watered regularly throughout its growing season.
Sage can grow up to two feet tall, so it’s best to give it plenty of space when planting it.
When harvesting, cut back the stems just above a pair of leaves so that new growth will emerge from that point.
3. Thyme
Thyme is another herb that can be used for natural remedies. It is high in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. Thyme is often used to treat respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats. It can also be added to your dishes to add a savory flavor and aroma.
An easy-to-grow herb that can be planted in August for a fall harvest, prefers full sun. Thyme also needs well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly throughout its growing season.
When harvesting thyme, cut back the stems just above a pair of leaves so that new growth will emerge from that point.
Thyme can be used fresh or dried for later use in soups, stews, sauces, salads, and more!
4. Oregano
Oregano is a popular herb that is often used in Italian and Mexican dishes. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help boost the immune system and may even have anticancer properties. It can also be used as a natural remedy for digestive issues such as bloating and gas. (Btw, you must check out the amazing benefits of oregano oil!)
This is another easy-to-grow herb that loves hot weather and full sun but notably will tolerate some shade as well.
Make sure you water this herb regularly during its growing season — and add compost or fertilizer to the soil to ensure optimal growth.
When harvesting oregano, cut back the stems just above a pair of leaves so that new growth will emerge from that point.
Oregano can be used fresh or dried for later use in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta sauce!
5. Chives
Chives are a mild herb that are often used as a garnish for soups, salads, and dips. Chives contain vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Chives can also be a natural remedy for high blood pressure and can help regulate cholesterol levels.
This is an easy-to-grow perennial herb with edible flowers and long slender leaves with a mild onion flavor.
Plant chives in August for a bountiful harvest all through the fall season! The herb prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade as well. They prefer moist but not soggy soil conditions, so make sure to water them regularly (but not over water) during their growing season.
When harvesting chives, snip off individual leaves or flower heads at any time during their growing season. Chives can be used fresh or dried for later use in salads, dips, sauces, soups, egg dishes, potatoes dishes, and more!
6 . Basil
Basil is a staple herb in Italian cuisine and is also used in Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Basil has antibacterial properties and is high in antioxidants. It can also promote healthy digestion and reduce inflammation.
Fresh basil can be added to your dishes to give it a delicious and aromatic flavor.
Mmmm! This is my favorite aromatic herb! I am growing more of it as we speak.
This herb grows thick green leaves and has been used medicinally since ancient times, as well as for culinary purposes around the world!
Plant basil in August for a bountiful harvest all through the fall. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade as well. Make sure you water basil regularly during its growing season. Add compost or fertilizer every few weeks.
When harvesting basil, snip off individual leaves at any time during its growing season. It can be used fresh or dried for later use in pestos, sauces, salads, soups, stews, pizzas, pastas, dressings, marinades, breads, teas, vinegars, etcetera!
7 . Dill
Dill is an herb that is often used in pickling, but it can also be used for natural remedies. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and can be used to improve digestion.
It is an aromatic, annual herb with feathery foliage — perfect for adding flavor, depth, complexity, texture, aroma and nutrition to many dishes and beverages.
Plant dill seeds directly into your garden bed (or container) and keep them consistently moist until germination occurs (usually within 10 days). (Dill also grows well in containers.)
This herb enjoys full sun but will tolerate some shade. When harvesting dill, snip off individual sprigs at any time during its growing season.
Dill can be used fresh or dried for later use in pickling fish & vegetable dishes salad dressings soups stews breads teas vinegars etcetera!
8 . Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is often used to flavor meat dishes. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve memory and concentration. Rosemary can also be used as a natural remedy for headaches and to promote hair growth.
This herb is an evergreen woody perennial shrub with needle like foliage & fragrant blue flowers loved by bees butterflies & humans alike!
Plant rosemary seeds directly into your garden bed (or container) after all danger of frost has passed & keep them consistently moist until germination occurs (usually within 10 days).
Rosemary enjoys full sun but will tolerate some shade.
When harvesting rosemary, snip off individual sprigs at any time during its growing season.
Rosemary can be used fresh or dried for later use in marinades, dressings, rubs, oils, infusions, teas, vinegars, and more!
9 . Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that is often used in teas, salads, and desserts. It is high in antioxidants and can help improve digestion. Mint can also be used as a natural remedy for nausea and bloating.
This herb thrives in a variety of conditions, making it easy to grow. Choose a location that is partially shaded, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Secondly, ensure the soil is well-drained, because the mint plant will not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Additionally, regular watering is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh and fragrant mint leaves throughout the month of August and beyond. Happy growing!
Growing your own herbs is an excellent way to add natural flavor to your dishes and improve your health.
These 9 herbs offer numerous health benefits and natural remedies that can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid in digestion.
Now that you know some of the benefits of growing these herbs, why not try growing them in your garden or in a pot on your windowsill?
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to grow these plants and how much flavor and health benefits you’ll get from using them in your cooking and in making your own natural remedies.