Backyard Herb Garden | Johnson County K‑State Extension Demonstration Garden

This garden demonstrates the growing, drying and uses of herbs for household use. Packaged supplies of harvested herbs are distributed to area food pantries.

herb

Points of Interest:

herb

  • We have created (4) different beds in our garden (Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Kansan).
    • Italian: Herbs grown in this garden have Italian cooking in mind. Flat Parsley, Italian oregano, Genovese basil, tarragon, and others.
    • Mexican: Mexican cooking continues to grow in popularity. This bed provides many of the herbs that are used in Mexican recipes. Plants include: cilantro, Mexican marjoram, and thyme. In addition to herbs, we have included some Serrano peppers.
    • Asian: This bed includes herbs that are often used in Asian cooking. They include Thai basil, shiso, ginger, and turmeric. Chinese Chives are grown in the border of this bed. Shisito peppers are also included in this bed. Food Pantries have reported a growing number of requests for Asian herbs.
    • Kansas: Herbs grown in this garden are frequently used in many Kansas kitchens. They include sweet basil, sage, parsley, rosemary, and oregano.

Tips:

  • Herbs are more easily grown from transplants. Many are perennials and will last for many years such as varieties of rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and mint.
  • Most of the herbs are low maintenance, requiring minimum water and weeding although virtually all herbs have high light requirements.
  • Understand whether the herbs you select spread easily and will benefit from growing in a pot to control spreading. Examples include mint, thyme, oregano, and St. John’s wort.
  • When drying herbs, gather early in the morning. You can dry by several methods including gathering in a bunch & hanging upside down, drying leaves (w/o stems) in a microwave or oven, or by using a dehydrator.
  • Have fun cooking with your herbs. The internet is full of herb mixture “recipes” for cooking such as Herbs de Provence, Pesto, and Tuscan Seasoning, etc. Of course, many herbs add great flavor all by themselves, such as dill, coriander, basil - and more!
herbs

herb garden volunteers

Garden Address

35230 W 135th St
Olathe, KS 66061

Master Gardeners are available to answer questions and provide tours while they work the gardens Wednesday mornings, March to October. To schedule a visit on another day (M-F), please contact us at bygjocoemg@gmail.com

Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions. Phone: (913) 715-7050 Email: garden.help@jocogov.org