Virtual Herbarium
By: Ashley Hanna
Tags: Gardening, Plants, Garden Tips, Garden, Herbs

Herb Garden

№1⁠

Scientific Name: Mentha⁠

Common Name: Mint ⁠

Habitat: Wet and shady environments⁠

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Remarks: I’ve found wild mint growing near cool, verdant streams and bodies of water. •

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It’s helpful to keep in mind the natural habitat of a plant when planning your garden. Mint is a unique herb in that it does not thrive in direct sun and well drained soil. Mint is a good candidate for the damp and shady parts of your yard where it’s difficult to grow food.⁠

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I’m partial to companion planting methods, but in this case, keep mint away from your garden! It spreads quickly and tends to invade and choke out other plants. A benefit to mint being on the outskirts of your garden is that it could act as a protective barrier being both deer and insect resistant.⁠

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I’ve planted mint in pots and buried them in the garden directly, but I don’t recommend it as the mint still spreads. If you are at all concerned, it’s best to plant mint in a separate container.⁠

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Mint is my most used herb- largely as an ingredient in salads. Throwing a few whole leaves in a mixed green salad adds a fresh flavor. My favorite use for mint is in fruit salads. It compliments grapefruit and mango surprisingly well.⁠

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Traditionally, mint was used as a calmative for different systems of the body.⁠

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⁠№2

Scientific Name:⁠ Solanum Lycopersicum⁠

Common Name: Tomato⁠

Habitat: ⁠Warm, moderate environment⁠

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Remarks:⁠ Tomatoes need full sun and well drained soil.⁠

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It can be a challenge to grow tomatoes in cold climates like Montana, but it is possible.⁠

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Your options with varieties will be limited depending on your specific zone, but generally choosing varieties that originated in cold parts of the world will do better. We have more success with Siberian varieties vs. Italian Heirloom varieties.⁠

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Two favorite varieties are Black Prince for canning, and Black Cherry for eating. ⁠

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I remember, years ago.. hauling gallon buckets with my tomato plants outside every morning and back inside every night- for•months•- It’s harder to start tomatoes without a greenhouse, but a few tricks will extend your growing season. Growing tomatoes in strawbales with a plastic cover will create a microclimate from the warmth of the composting straw, extending your growing season by 2–3 weeks depending, and you won’t need to haul gallon buckets around quite so long.⁠.⁠

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Every family has their traditions around food, and homegrown tomatoes are a part of one of ours. My families salsa recipe is not the same without fresh tomatoes. We go to great lengths to ensure we have a crop for canning season. No matter how many tomatoes we grow, harvest, and process, it’s never enough- we still fight over this salsa.⁠

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Traditionally, tomatoes were used in preventive measures against heart diseases and cancer.⁠

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№3

Scientific Name: Borago officinalis

Common Name: Borage

Habitat: Moderate environments, average soil and moisture. Tolerates partial shade and dry soil.

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I have a soft spot for Borage. The delicate blue and pink star flowers are an unexpectedly beautiful and useful addition to the garden. 🌱

The flowers and leaves are edible. They have a cucumber flavor and the flowers are fun to add as a garnish to salads and beverages.

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Borage is an easy annual to grow as it tolerates most conditions, but it thrives in full sun and moist, yet well drained soil. It will self seed if left to it’s own devices-giving you a crop every year. The black seeds are easy to harvest and save as well.

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I have planted it near tomatoes as it’s said to improve their taste as well as keep unwanted bugs away. -•- It’s great for attracting pollinators to your garden. •

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Traditionally, borage was used generally as an anti-inflammatory. The young greens were used in various European dishes. •

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In my experience, it’s best to use the greens before they get too old and prickly.