Why Not Grow Herbs in the Desert? Using fresh herbs when cooking always adds zest and more flavor to your recipe. However, it’s not always easy to run to a local farmers market or grocery store to pick up your favorite herb, so why not grow it yourself? Many herbs thrive here in the desert heat and flourish during winter.
Herbs are easier to grow than many houseplants and are a much tastier option. Planting your herbs in pots and containers is a simple planting solution if you don’t have room or suitable soil. Containers also allow you to move your plants to the shade or inside should it be beastly hot.
Herbs are Drought-Resistant
Many herbs are naturally drought-resistant plants. In fact, “All too often they (herbs) are coddled in cool, damp gardens where their oils fail to accumulate, leaving these individuals less aromatic. European herb growers all agree that the most potent fragrance comes from drought-stressed plants. This proves that growing herbs like rosemary, sage, Spanish lavender and thyme in your desert garden offers improved flavor over those commercially grown.” (Desert Sun)
You’ll want to start herbs in October using at least a gallon container. This gives them almost a full growing season before the summer sun and heat hit.
Some of the best herbs to grow in the desert are:
The Woody Subshrubs
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum)
Herbaceous Fillers
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Oregano (Oreganum vulgare)
Thyme (Thymus vulgare)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Tender Annuals for Winter
Basil
Cilantro
CLICK HERE for a helpful chart of what you can grow in Coachella Valley and when.
Not only does planting herbs provide you with fresh ingredients for your dish, but you can use your herbs to infuse olive oil, sea or kosher salt, and even dry them for later use. Fresh basil makes excellent “Basil Butter” and “Basil Mayo” (delicious as a spread on sandwiches).