Growing a Herb Garden in the Tropics

The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day

runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures...

shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass

and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.

~ Rabindranath Tagore, from Gitanjali

 

What's Growing in My Garden - Dry Season in the Tropics

Growing my own vegetables, fruits and herbs in tropical Far North Queensland - while at times a challenge - is infinitely rewarding.  What started out as a way of encouraging my youngest child to eat more fruit and veg, has now become a passion and a joy.  The benefits are endless.  We are enjoying a bounty of our own fresh, chemical free, nutrient rich produce.  I am saving money on fresh groceries.  We spend more quality time outdoors as a family.  While I tend the garden, my daughter will often come and help, or just come outside to be near me and chat, and play with her beloved animals (and yes... it worked - she is eating a wider variety of healthy, home grown fruit and veg!). 

 

Starting a vegetable garden can be daunting and overwhelming at first, for a beginning gardener.  Even for experienced gardeners, a move to a different climate provides a whole new set of challenges when it comes to adapting and learning how to grow healthy plants in the prevailing conditions.  I began planting various seedlings in April this year, in order to take advantage of the cool, sunny "dry season" weather in Cairns, which extends through to October. 

Five years ago I was struggling to keep a couple of potplants alive, after a move to the tropical climes here in Cairns.  If I can successfully grow food for my family in my own backyard, anyone can!  Here are recent photographs of what I am currently growing out in the backyard.  I hope it may encourage aspiring home gardeners to begin their own kitchen gardens. 

This is the first of a series of posts about growing herbs, vegetables and fruits in the tropics.  I will share what I have learned (and continue to learn on a daily basis!), as well as hints and tips for successfully growing a bountiful harvest in your backyard, here in tropical Far North Queensland.

 

 

Herbs 

 An A to Z of the herbs & medicinal plants in my garden

Part 1 ~ Aloe to Lavender
(Part 2 ~ Lemon to Mint)

 

Most of my herbs are in sunny, yet sheltered (from wind or too much exposure) positions around my garden and back patio, on the eastern side of the house where they get the morning sunlight.  I use a good quality potting mix when planting herbs (around $8 per 30L bag) as most herbs don't do well in cheaper potting mixes.   Every fortnight I give all of my plants a feed of Seasol, and every month I fertilise most of my plants with Powerfeed (a few plants don't like nutrient rich soil, however most plants need regular doses of potassium and nitrogen from fertilisers).

 

Aloe (Aloe Vera)



Aloe Vera

 

Aloe Vera is a valuable medicinal plant to have in any garden. It is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and is widely used for the treatment of minor burns and scalding, by breaking off a leaf and applying the clear aloe gel directly to the wound. The gel soothes and offers pain relief, has antiseptic qualities and promotes healing.

 

WHEN to grow ALOE in the tropics ~ all year round

WHERE to grow it ~ suited to most locations in the garden, including pots

HOW ~ being a succulent plant suited to semi-arid conditions, Aloe needs well drained soil

 

Basil

Basil is an aromatic herb that comes in a variety of forms, the most common form being "Sweet Basil" (Ocimum basilicum), otherwise known as Italian Basil.  The clove-like flavour of basil leaves is the perfect accompaniment for tomato based dishes.  All of the following basil plants are growing in my garden right now, and I have also recently harvested seeds from a few varieties of basil I let "go to seed".  Basil plants tend to get unruly and scraggly when they go to seed, so if you prefer to have a small, bushy plant, pinch off the growing flower tips at the base, as soon as they appear.  Basil is a great companion plant for tomato plants.

 

Sweet Basil                                                           

Other names for
this variety are Italian,
Common or Garden basil.

 

 

Lemon Basil

Here you can see the

beginnings of a flower tip,

which can be pinched

 off in order to keep

the plant compact

and bushy.

                                                                            Spicy Globe Basil
This is a small, compact basil
plant that is thriving under the shelter
of the back patio.  Like all of these basil
varieties, it loves the morning
sunlight, regular feeding
with Seasol, fertilising
with Powerfeed
and generous
watering.

Greek Basil 

                          The original plant

in my garden self-seeded,

 so there are a few of these seedlings

 growing throughout the

vegetable garden

at the moment.

Opal Basil
The purple leafed varieties
of basil add a brilliant splash of
colour to a herb garden as well as being
a tasty addition to salads.  I let this
plant flower in order to harvest
the seeds for new plants.

 

Harvesting basil seeds from the dried flower heads: let the flower heads dry out on the plants, then cut them off and remove the tiny black seeds from each small hull or pod.  There are usually four seeds in each hull.  The dried seeds can then be used for planting.

 

WHEN to grow BASIL in the tropics ~ all year round

WHERE garden or pots, companion plant with tomatoes, loves sunlight

HOW  easy to grow, water regularly, pinch off flower heads to maintain a compact, leafy plant

 

Calendula

The Calendula is traditionally known for having valuable medicinal qualities and culinary uses. Lovely in itself as an ornamental garden plant, or for companion planting, the Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is also known as the Marigold (not to be confused with the African Marigold or French Marigold, however, which are useful as companion plants in vegetable gardens, but they do not have medicinal qualities).   The leaves and flowers of the Calendula officinalis may be used in washes, infusions and compresses to relieve inflamations and minor burns.  The petals of the bright yellow and orange flowers may be used to add an attractive touch of colour and tasty flavour to salads, rice dishes, fruit dishes and sandwiches.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

 

 

Calendula officinalis is, in some countries, referred to as "Sun's Bride" due to the way the flowers follow the path of the sun throughout the day.

 

Regularly picking the flower heads of calendulas encourages more flower growth.  I have planted calendulas, this dry season, along with African and French marigolds, as companion plants throughout the larger vegetable garden beds in my backyard, in order to encourage beneficial insects and to confuse and deter pests. 

 

 The beautiful, bright calendula blooms turn their faces to the sun - following its path throughout the day. Calendula flowers bloom throughout the entire year. The Latin word Calendula means "small calendar" and has it's roots in the Roman word for the first day of the month - calendae.  

WHEN to grow CALENDULA in the tropics ~ February to October

WHERE garden or pots, sunny position, good companion plant, helps attract beneficial insects

HOW must be watered regularly, pick  flower heads to encourage flower growth

 

Chamomile

The fine, feathery leaves of English Chamomile - or Roman Chamomile - have a sweet, fruity, herbaceous scent, and a spreading habit and horizontal growth make it suitable as a soft, scented informal lawn covering.  In my garden I have it growing in a pot, in order to harvest the small white flowers for chamomile tea infusions.  English Chamomile is a "wet" herb and loves constantly moist conditions (a good one to grow in the tropics throughout the year - though in the dry season it must be watered regularly). 

 

How to harvest the flowers  Pick the open flower heads carefully, late morning (when they are free from dew).  Lay the flower heads on a wire rack or hang in a paper bag in an airy spot to dry out.  When the flowers are papery, store them in an airtight glass jar.  Use the flowers to make a soothing chamomile tea infusion.  An infusion of the flowers can also be added to a hot bath, to ease muscular aches and fatigue.

 

English Chamomile, also known as Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

 

 

 

WHEN to grow CHAMOMILE in the tropics ~ All year round

WHERE garden or pots, can be planted as a spreading lawn, sunny to semi-shaded position

HOW keep soil moist with frequent watering

 

 

How to make an herbal tea infusion  

For a normal strength herbal tea - pour 250ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1 heaped teaspoon of dried herbs (or 2 heaped teaspoons of fresh, chopped herbs) in a warmed teapot or tea cup.  Cover and stand for around 5 minutes, strain and sweeten with honey, if desired.

 You can use this method for making herbal tea with crushed seeds or finely chopped flowers or leaves, depending upon the herb being used... for chamomile tea, you would use the harvested flower heads.

 

 

 

 

Coriander

Coriander, or Cilantro, is a hardy relative of parsley.  I have the plant pictured below growing in a large, well-drained, raised vegetable bed along with a variety of vegies.  The soil mix in my larger vegetable beds is around half good quality potting mix, half cheaper potting mix, with coir mulch mixed in to add structure to the soil.  This bed receives morning sunlight and part sun/part shade in the afternoon.  Coriander grows well in the tropical dry season, during the cooler months.  In the heat of the wet season it tends to bolt to seed very quickly.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

 

 

 

WHEN to grow CORIANDER in the tropics ~ All year round

WHERE garden or pots, sunny to semi-shaded position

HOW water regularly, well drained soil

Dill

It is easy to confuse dill with fennel as these mild flavoured herbs are very similar (they are related).  Dill leaves are a darker green than fennel leaves, and are also much smaller.  I grow fennel and dill in seperate areas of my garden, in individual pots in order that they do not mix, as they can hybridize and thus lose their distinctive flavours. 

Some culinary uses for fresh dill leaves, chopped fine, are to flavour seafood, vegetable dishes, salads and soups.  Dill tastes delicious sprinkled over cucumber slices, potatoes and tomatoes.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

 

 

WHEN to grow DILL in the tropics ~ All year round, dill is an annual herb so re-plant each year

WHERE garden or pots, sunny position

HOW water regularly (frequently in dry weather), well drained soil, pinch off early flowers to promote a bushier plant

 

 

Fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum)

 

Three young fennel plants are currently growing from the original plant I grew (which went to seed) - after harvesting the seeds in June, I cut off the original fennel bulb (the swollen base of the leaf stalk), allowing the three new shoots to grow.  The succulent bulbs have an aniseed flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked.

The original Fennel plant went to seed in March this year

 

                                                                         The dried fennel seed pods in June ready to harvest - if you want to collect the fennel seeds, let the seeds thoroughly dry out on the plant, then carefully cut each dried flower head off and drop it into a paper bag or container (hold this underneath while cutting to catch any seeds that fall).  Fennel spreads easily, so if you let the seeds drop, or wait too long to harvest them, you may find fennel seedlings all over the garden!

Collecting the seeds - gently rub the dried flower heads between your index finger and your thumb, and the seed pods will easily come away.  I do this over a mesh sieve, the finer grit falls through and the seeds are left in the sieve.  Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing in a glass jar.

 

The dry, harvested seeds can then be used to grow more fennel or for culinary purposes

 

WHEN to grow FENNEL in the tropics ~ All year round

WHERE garden or pots, sunny position

HOW water regularly (frequently in dry weather), well drained soil

 

 

 

Garlic Chives

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a tasty addition to salads, dips, egg dishes... a versatile herb that can be used wherever a mild garlic flavour is desired.  In my experience, garlic chives are also one of the easiest herbs to grow all year round here in the tropics, they seem to thrive no matter how little or how much attention they receive!  Garlic chives are similar to regular chives, however the leaves are flattened, as opposed to hollow.  They grow in clumps and can be propogated by simple division of the clumps of bulblets (each bulblet can produce a new plant). 

 

 

 

 

Make a quick, easy and delicious dip by combining 250g cream cheese, a bunch of Italian parsley, a handful of garlic chives (about as much as the parsley/to taste) and a clove of garlic, in the food processor... serve with rice crackers and raw vegetables - cauliflower and broccoli florets, carrot, celery and cucumber.   Sprinkle chopped garlic chives over a dollop of natural yoghurt in soup, or baked potatoes, or simply add to a salad. They are so easy to grow, and they add a delicious touch of flavour, especially when they are fresh picked straight from your own kitchen garden!

                                                                                              

 

WHEN to grow GARLIC CHIVES in the tropics ~ All year round

WHERE garden or pots, sunny or semi-shaded position

HOW very easy to grow, water regularly

 

 

Geranium  (Scented Leaf)

Scented-leaf geraniums in terracotta pots and half wine barrel planters are scattered throughout my garden.  There are two of these gorgeous plants out on the front porch and two on the back patio, close to pathways and to the outdoor seating, where I love brushing past them to release the enchanting fragrance from the leaves with the slightest touch.   I have a particular fondness for "old fashioned" geraniums, they bring back cherished memories of my Grandparents' back porch, lined with what seemed like hundreds of geraniums in recycled pots and plastic drums cut in two.  The scent has always been enticing and comforting.

 

The advantage of having my geraniums in pots is that I've been able to move them around and find the best position for each individual plant to thrive, as well as being able to place them near to walkways and outdoor benches to enjoy the scent whenever we are outside.  Both of the following geraniums are growing well in the shelter of the back patio, where they get the early morning to mid morning sun.

 

Geranium Citrosa (Pelargonium citriodorum) - an aromatic, citrus-scented pelargonium that blossoms with soft, delicate pink flowers in spring.

 

 

Peppermint Rose-Scented Pelargonium - this is a smaller and more compact plant than the Geranium Citrosa, and the leaves are finer and more delicate... although the scent is divine for both!

 

A delightful culinary use for geranium leaves, is to flavour home-made cookies with them: place a leaf in the bottom of each cookie mold (or beneath each cookie on a tray), before baking.  The leaves impart a delicious aromatic scent and the delicate flavour of the geranium (peppermint-scented, rose-scented and lemon-scented geraniums are good to use in this way).

 

 

WHEN to grow GERANIUMS in the tropics ~ All year round

WHERE garden or pots, sunny or semi-shaded position, sheltered from wind

HOW good quality soil with good drainage, water regularly

 

 

 

Lavender 

Avonview Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)

 

 

If you love lavender, like I do, it is possible to grow it during the dry season, here in Cairns.  However, lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage... it does not like to have "wet feet".  When established, lavender is drought tolerant.  The high humidity and rain during the wet season in Cairns is not conducive for growth, for this dry climate loving plant!  I grow it in pots during the autumn/winter/spring months and move the plants around to get the best possible position for them to thrive.  During the summer months (the wet season), it's just a case of see how it goes (or see if it grows)... no guarantees it will survive the humidity.

  

French Lavender (Lavendula dentata)
The beautiful French lavender on my front porch is growing well, with healthy upright stems and pretty grey-green foliage.  I was happy to see the first lavender bud on this plant yesterday!

 

Hidcote Lavender, a variety of English
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
I have this growing in a half barrel where it gets morning and afternoon sun.   The dark violet flowers have a lovely strong scent that attracts bees to the garden.  The light, grey-green foliage has a beautiful scent as well.  I love brushing my fingers over the soft, velvety leaves to release their delicate scent.

 

  

Avonview Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)                                                           The pale, grey-green leaves of this lavender are long and slender, soft and velvety to the touch and again have a wonderful scent.  It's growing well in a terracotta pot on the back patio, where it gets the morning sun until midday.  Avonview is another highly perfumed lavender, and the "butterfly" flowers are a stunning bright purple.  (I will add more photos when all of my lavender plants flower this Spring)

WHEN to grow LAVENDER in the tropics ~ April to October

WHERE garden or pots, sunny position

HOW good quality soil with good drainage

Happy herb gardening!

 

All text and photography copyright HL Millen 2012