Dear Gardeners,
Welcome to the Special Edition “Herb Gardening Made Easy” issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
There’s something almost magical about herbs—these aromatic plants connect us to centuries of gardening traditions while adding depth and dimension to our cooking. I’ve found that my herb garden brings me daily joy, whether I’m snipping fresh basil for pasta, steeping mint for tea, or simply running my fingers through the rosemary to release its piney scent after a long day.
This year, I’ve been experimenting with vertical herb gardening to make better use of my limited patio space. By mounting several cedar planter boxes on my south-facing fence, I’ve created a beautiful living tapestry that’s as practical as it is pretty. The cascading thyme and oregano have become conversation starters when friends visit, and I love how accessible everything is at waist height—no bending required!
I’ve also discovered a simple trick for keeping my cilantro from bolting too quickly in the summer heat: partial shade and consistent pinching back. It’s made such a difference in extending my harvest window that I’m now applying this technique to other heat-sensitive herbs like dill and chervil. Gardening is always teaching us something new if we’re willing to observe and adapt.
Here’s what you can look forward to in our new Special Edition “Herb Gardening Made Easy” issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
Herb Gardening Fundamentals
Begin your herbal journey with these essential guides that cover all the basics:
Spices vs. Herbs: An Introduction to Growing Your Own: Understand the difference between herbs (leaves) and spices (seeds, roots, bark) and learn which ones thrive in your growing zone.
Planting an Herb Garden: From Seed to Seasoning: Follow our step-by-step process for starting herbs from seed, nurturing seedlings, and establishing healthy mature plants.
10 of the Best Savory Herbs to Grow for Family Meals: Discover versatile herbs that will become workhorses in your kitchen—from classic basil and parsley to less common options like lovage and summer savory.
Creative Indoor Herb Solutions
No outdoor space? No problem! These articles show you how to bring herb gardening inside:
How to Grow Herbs For Tea in Your Kitchen: Create your own herbal tea blends with homegrown ingredients—from calming chamomile to invigorating mint varieties.
How to Create a Living Wall Herb Garden Inside Your Home: Transform any vertical space into a productive herb garden with our easy-to-follow living wall guide.
How to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars: Upcycle these common kitchen containers into charming herb gardens perfect for windowsills and countertops.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Keep your herb garden thriving year-round with these practical maintenance tips:
How to Stop Invasive Herbs from Spreading: Keep mint, lemon balm, and other enthusiastic herbs from taking over your garden with smart containment strategies.
How to Bring Dying Herbs Back to Life: Troubleshoot common herb garden problems and revive struggling plants with our expert rehabilitation techniques.
How to Propagate Rosemary and Other Herbs Indoors: Master the art of growing new plants from cuttings and keep your herb collection expanding year after year.
Crafting Charming Herb Stakes for Your Garden: A DIY Guide: Learn how to make beautiful plant markers that add personality to your herb garden and help you keep track of what’s planted where.
Seasonal Strategies & Preservation
Extend your herb enjoyment beyond the growing season with these seasonal techniques:
How to Transplant Herbs into Indoor Pots for the Winter: Extend your growing season by bringing tender herbs indoors before the first frost.
Growing Edible Flowers and Herbs in Winter: Learn which herbs pair beautifully with edible flowers for indoor winter growing.
Preserving Your Herbal Harvest
The best herb gardens provide flavor year-round. We’ve compiled our favorite preservation methods to help you enjoy your harvest long after growing season ends:
How to Dry Herbs: Master multiple drying techniques—from air-drying to dehydrator methods—and learn which works best for different herb varieties.
How to Harvest Fresh Herbs in the Fall to Use All Winter: Timing is everything when it comes to maximizing flavor and shelf life—discover how to preserve your herbs many different ways.
Let Your Garden Lead the Way
Gold Members can explore our Gardening Kits tab for additional resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
Whether you’re establishing your first herb garden or looking to expand your existing collection, herbs offer an accessible entry point into the world of edible gardening. They’re forgiving of mistakes, generous with their bounty, and connect us to culinary traditions from around the world. I hope this special edition inspires you to experiment with new varieties and techniques.
Happy planting!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. What’s your absolute favorite herb to grow, and why? Is it for culinary uses, fragrance, or maybe its benefit to pollinators? Share your herbal passion in the comments below!
