Cultivate bay laurel for flavor & privacy. Get the details of planting & propagating bay leaf—expert tips for growing bay leaf in any climate. Did you know you could grow a bay leaf (also known as bay laurel) plant? It makes an excellent privacy hedge, and its leaves add a delightful flavor to soups, stews, and rice. Additionally, bay laurel leaves make beautiful wreaths and more. Discover the secrets to growing bay leaf in this blog post. Bay laurel (Lauro nobilis) is native to the Mediterranean and thrives outdoors year-round in warm climates (USDA zones 8-10). Here in the low deser ..read more

Imagine hanging a beautiful bay leaf (bay laurel) wreath in your kitchen, where its simple beauty adds charm and a hint of nature to your space. As the leaves dry, they can be plucked and used to infuse your cooking with their distinctive flavor. Make this bay laurel wreath using just a few materials. This blog post will guide you through making your own bay laurel wreath. Step 1: Gather Your Materials To make a bay leaf wreath, you will need fresh bay leaves, wire, and string. It’s important to use fresh leaves as they are more pliable and easier to work with. Learn how to grow bay laurel in ..read more

If you live in a hot climate, growing herbs may seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry, it’s possible! With the right knowledge, you can grow herbs that thrive in the heat. Not only will they add flavor to your meals, but they will also attract beneficial insects to your garden. In this blog post, I’ll share tips on how to plant, care for, and harvest perennial herbs in hot summer climates so that you can enjoy a bountiful herb garden year-round. 10 Tips for Growing Delicious Herbs in Hot Summer Climates 1. Learn about the herbs you want to grow and the best times to plant Herbs are classifie ..read more

How to Freeze Basil: A Gardener’s Guide to Preserving Your Harvest For gardeners and home cooks, basil is a summertime staple. However, when the cold weather hits, it can be challenging to grow fresh basil. Freezing basil is a simple and effective way to ensure you have a steady supply of this flavorful herb throughout the year. In this guide, I’ll detail the steps to freeze basil so you can enjoy its delicious taste all year round. 1. Harvest fresh basil Harvesting fresh leaves is the first step to freezing basil. It is best to use fresh leaves as wilted or yellowed leaves will not taste go ..read more

If you live in a hot summer climate, plant these ten perennial herbs once, and you’ll enjoy harvests for years! A perennial is a species that completes its life cycle over three or more years, with the ability to survive both winter and summer and can be harvested without killing the plant. Each one of these herbs has survived for several years in my low desert Arizona garden. Perennial herbs are a simple way to increase production and yield in the garden. Once you plant them, you can harvest them for years to come! 10 Perennial Herbs Every Gardener in Hot Summer Climate Should Grow 1. Bay L ..read more

I love using fresh dill from the garden as a flavorful herb in cooking. Snipping a few leaves and adding them to dips, sauces, fish, and roasted vegetables is incredibly convenient and delicious. Additionally, dill helps attract wonderful wildlife to your garden. Learn how to grow dill outside, inside, and in containers with these five tips.  Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. 5 Tips for How to Grow Dill 1. Plant dill at the right time Plant after the last spring frost date. Seeds germinate in soil temperatures ..read more

Cilantro is a leafy herb and a staple ingredient in many Mexican, Indian, and Asian recipes. Not only does it add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Growing cilantro in your own garden is the best way to ensure a fresh and readily available supply for all your culinary needs. This guide will cover what you need to know about growing cilantro, from when to plant all the way through harvesting, plus extra tips for how to grow cilantro indoors and in containers. Let’s get started! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosur ..read more

If you want a fully stocked kitchen garden, you can’t forget to include the essential perennial herb – thyme. This article shares what you need to know about growing, harvesting, and using thyme. Discover how to successfully grow thyme in Arizona and beyond, as it thrives in nearly every zone. Keep reading to become a thyme-growing expert. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. 5 Tips for How to Grow Thyme 1. Plant different varieties of thyme in your garden. Thyme comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, so it’s easy ..read more

Learn how to grow sage, and enjoy sage’s gray-green foliage in flower beds, containers, and the garden. A popular herb in desert areas such as the low desert of Arizona, sage is tolerant of hot weather, poor soil, and drought conditions. This quick-growing perennial herb’s flowers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. This comprehensive sage growing guide covers everything from planting to harvesting, including top care tips & organic pest control methods. Keep reading to also learn how to grow sage in Arizona.  Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. See my d ..read more

There’s nothing better than the aroma of freshly-picked basil! It’s a must-have in my garden and kitchen throughout the summer months. The sweet fragrance and vibrant flowers are also irresistible to native bees. This article shares what you need to know about how to grow basil. It includes how to grow basil from seed, plus tips for pruning, harvesting, and using basil. I’ve also included tips for growing basil in containers, growing basil indoors, and how to grow basil in Arizona. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. 10 Tips ..read more