Grow These Incredible Herbs and Edibles Once, and Never Buy Them Again!
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As we age, the joy of gardening often becomes more than just a hobby—it's a way to sustain our connection to nature and provide ourselves with fresh, homegrown produce. For those of us in the Seniors Discount Club who love to add a sprinkle of freshness to our meals, there's nothing quite like the taste of herbs straight from our own garden. And the best part? Some herbs and edible plants can be planted just once and will keep giving back for years to come, saving us both time and money.
Many of us are familiar with the frustration of buying a large bunch of herbs from the supermarket only to use a few leaves and watch the rest wilt away. It's not only a waste of food but also of our hard-earned pension. However, perennial herbs and edible plants are the gifts that keep on giving. These plants last at least two years, and many for much longer, requiring minimal effort to grow and maintain.
Before you start planting, it's crucial to check which plants are best suited to your local climate, as some herbs thrive in specific conditions. But don't worry, there's a variety of options that can flourish in different environments, and many are perfect for small spaces or even for renters who might not have a garden bed to work with.
For those with limited space, consider starting with spring onions. According to passionate urban gardener Connie Cao from Naarm/Melbourne, once you buy a bunch, you'll likely never need to purchase them again. Simply cut off the tops and plant the roots in a pot, spacing them a few centimetres apart. Spring onions are resilient and can regrow, providing a continuous supply for your kitchen.
Mint is another herb that's easy to grow, but be warned—it loves to spread. To prevent it from taking over your garden, keep it contained in pots. Mint is a hardy plant that can die back in extreme heat but will return with vigour. Regular cutting back and repotting can help maintain its health and productivity.
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that's surprisingly low-maintenance. It thrives on neglect and can be grown in pots, making it easy to move to protect from frost in cooler climates.
For those with a bit more space, such as a balcony or a larger pot, rosemary is an excellent choice. It requires some regular trimming to keep it bushy and compact, but the good news is that the cuttings can be used to propagate new plants. Rosemary is not only aromatic and flavorful but also a beautiful addition to any garden.
Bay trees are also well-suited to larger pots. They can be harvested as needed, but it's best not to plant them in the ground as they can become quite invasive with their root systems.
If you have the luxury of a garden bed and a little patience, asparagus is a perennial worth considering. It takes a few years to establish, but once it does, you can enjoy fresh asparagus spears every spring. Just remember to enrich the soil with compost regularly.
For those with a bit more room, rhubarb and French sorrel can add both visual appeal and taste to your garden. Rhubarb may need refreshing every few years, but it's a simple process of dividing and replanting.
Growing your own herbs and edible plants is not only economical but also incredibly rewarding. It's a sustainable way to ensure you have fresh ingredients at your fingertips, and it can be a therapeutic activity that keeps you active and engaged.
So, dear members, why not roll up your sleeves and start your own perennial herb garden? Not only will you enjoy the bounty of your labour, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing you're eating the freshest produce possible—straight from your own backyard.
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. What are your favourite herbs to grow? Do you have any tips for fellow green thumbs in our community? Share your gardening successes and inspire others to start their own perennial paradise!
Many of us are familiar with the frustration of buying a large bunch of herbs from the supermarket only to use a few leaves and watch the rest wilt away. It's not only a waste of food but also of our hard-earned pension. However, perennial herbs and edible plants are the gifts that keep on giving. These plants last at least two years, and many for much longer, requiring minimal effort to grow and maintain.
Before you start planting, it's crucial to check which plants are best suited to your local climate, as some herbs thrive in specific conditions. But don't worry, there's a variety of options that can flourish in different environments, and many are perfect for small spaces or even for renters who might not have a garden bed to work with.
Perennial herbs and edible plants are low-maintenance and can thrive for years in home gardens. Credit: Shutterstock
For those with limited space, consider starting with spring onions. According to passionate urban gardener Connie Cao from Naarm/Melbourne, once you buy a bunch, you'll likely never need to purchase them again. Simply cut off the tops and plant the roots in a pot, spacing them a few centimetres apart. Spring onions are resilient and can regrow, providing a continuous supply for your kitchen.
Mint is another herb that's easy to grow, but be warned—it loves to spread. To prevent it from taking over your garden, keep it contained in pots. Mint is a hardy plant that can die back in extreme heat but will return with vigour. Regular cutting back and repotting can help maintain its health and productivity.
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that's surprisingly low-maintenance. It thrives on neglect and can be grown in pots, making it easy to move to protect from frost in cooler climates.
For those with a bit more space, such as a balcony or a larger pot, rosemary is an excellent choice. It requires some regular trimming to keep it bushy and compact, but the good news is that the cuttings can be used to propagate new plants. Rosemary is not only aromatic and flavorful but also a beautiful addition to any garden.
Bay trees are also well-suited to larger pots. They can be harvested as needed, but it's best not to plant them in the ground as they can become quite invasive with their root systems.
If you have the luxury of a garden bed and a little patience, asparagus is a perennial worth considering. It takes a few years to establish, but once it does, you can enjoy fresh asparagus spears every spring. Just remember to enrich the soil with compost regularly.
For those with a bit more room, rhubarb and French sorrel can add both visual appeal and taste to your garden. Rhubarb may need refreshing every few years, but it's a simple process of dividing and replanting.
Growing your own herbs and edible plants is not only economical but also incredibly rewarding. It's a sustainable way to ensure you have fresh ingredients at your fingertips, and it can be a therapeutic activity that keeps you active and engaged.
So, dear members, why not roll up your sleeves and start your own perennial herb garden? Not only will you enjoy the bounty of your labour, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing you're eating the freshest produce possible—straight from your own backyard.
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