Culinary Garden

There is nothing better than the flavor of fresh herbs from the garden to highlight a favorite recipe. The best cooks will agree there is no comparison with dried, store-bought seasonings. 

Herbs can be started in the early spring by sowing seeds indoors and growing under fluorescent lights. When ready to transplant outdoors, avoid heavy clay soils and wet areas. Most herbs need full direct sun, a minimum of 4 hours daily and up to 6-8 hours of sunlight for best performance. Check seed packets for the recommended growing conditions.

For the best flavor, harvest herbs when flower buds begin to appear but before they bloom. Be sure to cut no more than one-third of the plant. Gently shake the cuttings to release any dirt as rinsing with water can remove the plant’s oils and reduce the flavors.

The U of MN Extension website has more information regarding edible plants.

Plant list

Amint – Mentha piperita
Btarragon – Artemesia Dracunculus
Cwinter thyme – Thymus Vulgaris
Dsage – Salvia officinalis
EEgyptian walking onion – Allium X proliferum
Fgarlic chive – Allium tuberosum
GItalian parsley – Petroselinum crispum
Hlemon balm – Melissa officinalis
Ioregano – Origanum vulgare
Jred veined sorrel – Rumex sanguineus
Mtricolor sage – Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’
Ntricolor sage – Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’

Culinary garden map

Photo gallery

  • culinary garden Egyptian walking onions, Washington County Master Gardeners, Minnesota
  • mint, Washington County Master Gardeners, Minnesota
  • Chives, Washington County Master Gardeners, Minnesota
  • oregano, Washington County Master Gardeners, Minnesota
  • sage, fairgrounds garden, Washington County Master Gardeners, Minnesota