A herb plant collection in the tropics

[Queenie O.]

I  love to cook with herbs and spices.  I wanted an outdoor herb collection to be able to use fresh herbs too.  Some were started with seeds that my sister sent me from the US, and some I just found at local nurseries and a herb place in Cebu City. I wasn't sure how herbs would even grow in the humid climate here, but surprisingly they seem to be doing well so far. I'm hoping for some plants that do grow from cuttings, rhat I can grow some plants big enough to be a "mother plant" . That way I can keep adding new pots to my collection. The soil need for these herbs is a softer soil with added rice hulls, that can be found by the sack in many local garden nurseries. Most of these herbs can be kept rather on the dry side so frequent watering is not so important except for the basil, that likes to be watered more often. I'm hoping to add a pot of lemongrass nearby too. My husband built me a plant stand from some scrap wood that he had, and I located it near the back door in the sun for easy access during cooking!  Even if I don't ever use them for cooking or teas, it's just pleasant to have and smell the lovely fragrance of these herbs that I was used to growing in my old place. Like old friends back again after not seeing them for a while! It's a fun project that some of you might want to try. Even a sunny windowsill could accommodate s few herb plants indoors. 

Here's a list of the ones I have:

apple mint

catmint

Cuban oregano

spearmint

sweet basil

chives

tarragon

rosemary

sage

white sage

flat leaf parsley

Swiss mint

dill

aloe vera

lemon balm

Italian oregano

holy basil

 

 

[Old55]

Nothing ever beats fresh herbs. Nice garden Queenie O. 

[scott h]

looks like a great hobby Queenie,,,and tasty too 

[AlwaysRt]

Very nice and useful collection there, we need to get something like that started as fresh makes a huge difference. 

Of course fresh herb collections in Colorado look much different. Must be very strong also as they require special permits to grow... 

[Queenie O.]

2 minutes ago, AlwaysRt said:

Very nice and useful collection there, we need to get something like that started as fresh makes a huge difference. 

Of course fresh herb collections in Colorado look much different. Must be very strong also as they require special permits to grow... 

I'm growing rosemary right now, but no "maryjane"!

Edited August 8, 2017 by Queenie O.

[Mark Berkowitz]

Nicely done Queenie! 

 

[RBM]

Nice to read and nice pic. We trying g same with some success but fi d ma you of the herbs seem to die off. Parsley we have had problems with also coriander,  seems to take off and after a month or so die out.

[AlwaysRt]

2 hours ago, Queenie O. said:

I'm growing rosemary right now, but no "maryjane"!

hahaha, wish I had thought of that. I must be getting old....

[Queenie O.]

2 hours ago, AlwaysRt said:

hahaha, wish I had thought of that. I must be getting old....

"You got the "herb" Herb?"

Edited August 8, 2017 by Queenie O.

[Queenie O.]

3 hours ago, RBM said:

Nice to read and nice pic. We trying g same with some success but fi d ma you of the herbs seem to die off. Parsley we have had problems with also coriander,  seems to take off and after a month or so die out.

Yes RBM-- I've had that problem sometimes with some too. Maybe the intense tropical heat just wears them out over time. It can be hit or miss sometimes growing herbs here. That's why if you're having good luck with a certain variety it's good to divide it or take cuttings to replant new plants. That way you've always got a new one to replace. I haven't found coriander plants yet. That's a good one to have!