PreviousHerb gardening has become increasingly popular as more people discover the joy of growing fresh herbs at home. Herbs bring beauty, flavor, and fragrance to any garden and are a rewarding addition to cooking and even natural home remedies. If you’re interested in starting or expanding an herb garden, you’ll find a wealth of resources, from knowledgeable societies and interactive communities to informative websites, books, and trusted retailers.
Societies and Organizations for Herb Gardeners
Several national and regional organizations offer valuable resources, education, and community for herb gardening enthusiasts.
The Herb Society of America
The Herb Society of America (HSA) is a premier organization dedicated to promoting the knowledge and use of herbs. HSA offers members access to educational resources, gardening guides, research reports, and a quarterly publication, The Herbarist. The society hosts events, conferences, and local chapter meetings, which provide networking opportunities for herb enthusiasts. HSA’s website also features a variety of resources, including a plant database, articles on specific herbs, and guidelines on sustainable herb gardening.
Website: www.herbsociety.org
American Botanical Council
Although not solely focused on gardening, the American Botanical Council (ABC) provides valuable resources on medicinal herbs. ABC’s HerbMedPro database is a comprehensive tool for researching medicinal plants, including their uses, benefits, and cultivation information. They also publish HerbalGram, a quarterly journal that includes in-depth articles on herbs and herbal medicine. ABC’s emphasis on scientific research makes it an excellent resource for gardeners interested in the medicinal aspects of herb cultivation.
Website: www.herbalgram.org
United Plant Savers
United Plant Savers (UpS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of medicinal plants native to North America. They offer resources on sustainable harvesting and gardening practices for medicinal herbs, with a focus on preserving endangered species. UpS members gain access to educational materials, conservation updates, and herbal workshops. The UpS Botanical Sanctuary Network includes gardens across the country that serve as conservation and educational sites for native medicinal plants.
Website: www.unitedplantsavers.org
Native Plant Societies
Many states have native plant societies that provide resources on growing and preserving native herbs and plants. These societies often offer plant guides, workshops, and native plant sales. By focusing on native species, these organizations help gardeners cultivate herbs that support local ecosystems and pollinators. Examples include the California Native Plant Society, Florida Native Plant Society, and New England Wild Flower Society.
Check for your state’s native plant society or regional extension center for information about native plant societies near you.
Websites for Herb Gardening Information
The internet is filled with herb gardening websites, but a few stand out for their detailed information, user-friendly design, and community engagement.
Mother Earth News
Mother Earth News offers a wide range of articles on sustainable gardening, organic practices, and herb cultivation. The website features how-to guides, videos, and expert advice on growing herbs both indoors and outdoors. It also covers topics like companion planting, soil health, and pest management, making it a great all-in-one resource for herb gardeners.
Website: www.motherearthnews.com
Garden Therapy
Garden Therapy is a blog and resource website that focuses on the therapeutic benefits of gardening, including herb gardening. It includes DIY projects, recipes, and gardening tips, making it especially popular with those interested in using herbs for crafting and wellness. The website offers specific guides on planting, harvesting, and using herbs in cooking, natural beauty, and home remedies.
Website: www.gardentherapy.ca
Richters Herbs
Richters Herbs is not only a retailer but also an educational resource for herb gardeners. The website includes a comprehensive plant encyclopedia, articles on herb cultivation, and a variety of online courses. Richters offers an excellent selection of seeds and live plants, along with growing guides tailored to each herb.
Website: www.richters.com
Books on Herb Gardening
For those who love to learn from books, there are several excellent titles that provide in-depth knowledge about growing, using, and appreciating herbs.
The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr
The New American Herbal is a modern classic that covers a wide variety of herbs with detailed profiles, including their history, growing requirements, and culinary and medicinal uses. The book features beautiful photography and includes recipes and DIY projects, making it a comprehensive and visually appealing guide.
Rodale’s 21st-Century Herbal by Michael Balick
This book explores both the traditional uses and modern applications of herbs, focusing on cultivation, culinary uses, and health benefits. Balick’s expertise as a botanist shines through, and the book is filled with scientific information presented in an accessible way. It’s an excellent resource for gardeners interested in both the practical and therapeutic aspects of herbs.
Herbs: Delicious Recipes and Growing Tips to Transform Your Food by Judith Hann
Judith Hann’s book combines gardening advice with culinary inspiration, focusing on growing herbs to enhance home cooking. It includes recipes for everything from herbal drinks to main dishes and desserts, along with gardening tips specific to each herb. This book is ideal for herb gardeners who want to make the most of their harvest in the kitchen.
The Herbal Apothecary by J.J. Pursell
The Herbal Apothecary focuses on medicinal herbs, providing a guide to growing and using herbs for health and wellness. Pursell’s book includes practical advice on cultivating medicinal plants and making teas, tinctures, and salves. The book is a great resource for those interested in using herbs for natural remedies.
Herbs for the Home Garden by William D. Adams and Thomas R. LeRoy
This book is tailored to gardeners interested in cultivating a variety of herbs in home gardens. It covers planting, maintenance, and harvesting techniques, along with tips for using herbs in the kitchen and around the home. The authors focus on practical advice for American gardeners, making it a valuable resource for any herb enthusiast.
Online and Local Communities for Herb Enthusiasts
Gardening communities, both online and local, provide an invaluable support network for herb gardeners. They offer a place to ask questions, share tips, and connect with others who share a passion for herbs.
Reddit Gardening and Herb Subreddits
Reddit has an active gardening community with subreddits like r/gardening and r/herbs. These forums allow users to ask questions, share their gardening experiences, and post photos of their plants. The Reddit community is diverse, and responses often include advice from gardeners around the world.
Facebook Groups
There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to herb gardening and related topics. Some popular groups include “Herb Gardening Enthusiasts” and “Organic Herb Gardening.” These groups provide a platform for herb gardeners to exchange tips, share resources, and celebrate successes. Many local gardening clubs also have Facebook groups, which can be helpful for connecting with gardeners in your area.
Local Herb Gardening Clubs
Many cities and towns have local herb gardening clubs, which are a great way to meet other herb enthusiasts, attend workshops, and participate in garden tours. Local clubs often organize events where members can learn from experienced herbalists, swap seeds, and share gardening tips. Check your local botanical garden or community center for information about herb gardening clubs in your area.
Herb Seed and Plant Retailers
High-quality seeds and plants are essential for a thriving herb garden. Here are some trusted American retailers that offer a wide selection of herbs and gardening supplies.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds is known for its high-quality herb seeds, as well as organic and heirloom varieties. They offer detailed growing information for each herb, making it easy for gardeners to find the right seeds for their needs. Johnny’s is also popular with professional growers, thanks to their reliable selection and high germination rates.
Website: www.johnnyseeds.com
Mountain Rose Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs specializes in organic herbs, seeds, and herbal products. In addition to seeds for medicinal and culinary herbs, they also offer dried herbs, essential oils, and natural body care products. Mountain Rose Herbs is a great choice for herb gardeners interested in using their harvests for wellness.
Website: www.mountainroseherbs.com
Burpee
Burpee is a well-known seed retailer that offers a wide variety of herbs for home gardeners. They provide seeds and plants for everything from classic culinary herbs to lesser-known medicinal plants. Burpee’s website includes helpful growing tips and is suitable for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Website: www.burpee.com
Strictly Medicinal Seeds
Strictly Medicinal Seeds is a specialized retailer focusing on seeds and plants for medicinal herbs. They offer an extensive catalog of organic, open-pollinated seeds for medicinal plants and herbs from around the world. This retailer is particularly valuable for gardeners interested in growing uncommon medicinal herbs.
Website: www.strictlymedicinalseeds.com
Richters Herbs
Richters Herbs provides a comprehensive selection of herb seeds, plants, and educational materials. Based in Canada, they ship to the U.S. and offer an impressive variety of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs. Richters also provides helpful guides and resources for growing and using herbs.
Website: www.richters.com
