By nature, herbs repel pests and disease, making them excellent low-maintenance plants – perfect for a cabin’s summer garden. Not only do they make everything taste and smell better, they add wonderful color and texture to a low-maintenance, natural landscape. Many herbs have additional health benefits and a long history in natural healing. Plan your cabin herb garden, keeping in mind the sun, soil, and location of your various herb plots.
Here are some popular herbs to include in your cabin garden.
Sage has a soft, sweet flavor. It’s often used as a seasoning for tomato sauce, eggs, dressings, baked chicken and fish. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K and has been studied as a possible benefit to brain function and memory recall. Sage grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Perennial.
Thyme is an aromatic and tasty addition to bean, meat, soup, and vegetable dishes. It is high in anti-oxidants and is an excellent source in iron and manganese. Its natural health benefits include a connection with helping chest and respiratory congestion. Plant thyme in full sun and dry soil. Perennial.
Chives are very beneficial when planted near rose bushes, as the aroma repels aphids. They are one of the most popular and hardiest herbs. Used in salads, spreads, sauces, dips, and soups they add color and flavor to meals. Chives grow best in partial shade and dry soil. Perennial.
Oregano is a perfect addition to Mexican and Mediterranean recipes, olive oil infusions, salad dressings, and pizza. It has been regarded as an excellent anti-bacterial, and high in fiber and anti-oxidants. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Perennial.
Rosemary is a great addition to lamb, veal, salmon, pork and other meats as well as soups, sauces and potatoes. In health, it is associated with stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, improving digestion, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is best planted in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Perennial.
Lavender grows best in full sun and dry soil. This hardy plant is well known for its calming properties and flowery, sweet aroma. It adds flavor to baked goods, hot teas and drinks, and has been associated with lowering stress, aiding muscle pain, and treating various skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Perennial.
Peppermint has been suggested as a benefit to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia. Its cool, fresh flavor is best in summer salads and drinks, such as iced tea. This plant is very hardy and spreads easily, which makes it a good container plant or in a raised bed which contains the roots from spreading too far. Perennial.
Basil is a very fragrant herb, best known for its use in Italian cuisine, including pasta sauces, pesto, and a flavorful addition to bruschetta. It’s a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A, and has been used in natural health for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. You’ll need to plant basil annually as it’s a tender plant. It grows best in full sunlight and moist soil. Annual.
Dill is best known for its use in pickling, as well as a great addition to sandwich spreads, dips, salmon and trout. Both seeds and leaves can be used for seasoning. Dill is known for providing digestive relief and its disinfectant properties. Plant dill in full sun and well drained soil. Annual.
