Sensational Summer Herbs

Some people think it’s just impossible to garden in Central Texas in the summer. Not true! Although it’s hot, and it will be hot for a few more months, there are many lovely, fragrant and delicious herbs that will thrive right through the heat of summer. Many of these herbs have their origin in the Mediterranean where the climate, and soil conditions, seem to be quite similar to the conditions right here in Austin.

By far my favorite summer herb is Basil. There are many varieties of Basil: Sweet Basil, Lemon Basil, Purple Basil, Holy Basil, Thai Basil, Globe Basil et al. My favorite culinary Basil is Sweet Basil, or Common Basil, Ocimum basilicum. Basil can be grown quite easily from seed (plant in late spring as the weather begins to warm up) or from transplants. Do not plant Basil when spring planting fever first hits, as Basil loves the heat, and any early spring cold snap will damage it. So practice the gardener’s eternal lesson of patience, and wait until the soil has warmed, and the weather is more predictable. Fresh Basil leaves are incredibly aromatic and delicious. Of course many of you already know how to make pesto from fresh basil leaves, Parmesan and Romano cheese, garlic (lots of it), olive oil and pine nuts (I’ve also used pecans and/or walnuts as the pine nuts tend to be somewhat expensive). Another favorite way to use Basil is with fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with olive oil (yum), and in tomato sauce, with eggs and in a Tomato/Basil torte, which is an excellent brunch dish (I’d be happy to share that recipe if you call me). Basil has also been known to help with digestive problems, headaches and coughs. A delightful, easily grown herb that needs to be included in every summer Austin garden. You won’t be sorry.

My husband’s favorite summer herb is the one we have right in front of our house, all in it’s own bed. That favorite of mine too is Peppermint, Mentha Piperita. Nothing surpasses a fresh infusion (tea) of Peppermint leaves. I make a gallon once or twice a week and chill it in the refrigerator. Peppermint tea is refreshing, stimulating and also excellent for digestion. If you have slight indigestion, having indulged too much on a delicious summer meal, or if you’re experiencing some nausea, Peppermint tea is your solution. Spearmint, Mentha spicata, like Peppermint, also grows well throughout the summer and has similar properties and uses. Spearmint, having a slightly different taste, is more widely used for children and infants experiencing digestive disorders. Both of these easily spreading herbs seem to like partial shade and some watering throughout the season.

Finally, other summer herbs to mention, for growing and cooking with this summer are: Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, Oregano, Origanum vulgare, Marjoram, Origanum marjorana and Thyme, Thymus spp.. These heat loving plants not only survive and thrive throughout the summer, but will last through most winters as well. Having these herbs in your garden ready to make roasted potatoes with Rosemary, or Rosemary chicken, will impress any dinner guests. Using Oregano for Italian cooking (I've heard that the best Italian cooks like to use dried Oregano), and Marjoram for a similar, but lighter flavor will enable you to freshly flavor many meals. One other beauty to mention is Mexican Mint Marigold, Tagetes lucida, whose bright, sturdy green leaves are used as a substitute for Tarragon, which is difficult to grow in Central Texas. Mexican Mint Marigold will grow boldly through the summer and reward you with bright yellow blossoms in the fall.

In the midst of our sweltering summer days, remember to awaken early, and tend your garden in the early hours when it’s cool. Remember to water consciously so as not to overuse or waste our precious water supply. A good functioning drip irrigation system is best to use here in our particular environment. Luckily most herbs, when established, do not require a great deal of water. Just lots of harvesting, tender loving care and heartfelt thanks is all your green friends need. Have fun in the garden.