So what are Mediterranean herbs? They are exactly what it says. It is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean area, it’s that simple. Lets look at which herbs this includes and if you are new to gardening or to growing herbs then how do you grow these beautiful aromatic plants.
These plants have adapted so well to different climates, it is amazing. They are so forgiving especially if you have never planted anything in your life, I always recommend to any new gardeners that they start with growing Mediterranean herbs first, simply put, they’re beautiful to look at, aromatic and useful in so may ways.
They are grown all over the world in an array of different conditions and used in many kitchens to make delicious foods. These herbs bring so much joy and are fantastic for any gardener whether new or seasoned.
Table of Contents
Growing conditions for Mediterranean herbs
Origins
The term Mediterranean is a group of countries that are concerntrated around the Mediterranean Sea. They are in the south of Europe and the north of Africa. These coutries include Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Morocco to name a few.
The weather in this are tends to have dry hot summers and cool wetter winters. Although the winters do get cold and wet unless you are up in the mountains it does tend to stay quite mild compared to other areas further North.
The soil in general is quite poor. It is gritty and sandy which for most plants this wont do but for these hardy herbs they love it. This kind of soil drains very well so the plants don’t sit in water, the roots like to stretch out and find the moisture.
Growing Mediterranean herbs in your garden, soil
If you are fortunate to live in one of these areas or in a similar climate like California or Southern Australia or that your soil is chalky (this is the ultimate) or sandy then lucky you. Go ahead plant in your herbs and enjoy. Make sure that you give them lots of room to grow.
If you are like myself and do not live in those areas then more work may be required. My garden is mainly heavy clay. I only have an area or two that work, but it isn’t impossible.
Adjusting the heavy rich moisture retaining soil is key, adding in a lot of grit or sand works well. Make sure to dig down deep enough that water wont be pooling up from below. Ideally if it can be on a slope or where the water will drain away from that would be the best. If you soil starts to look loose and poo then your on the right track.
In the ground or a pot
Personally because my garden soil is so heavy and tends to gets very wet especially in the winter when it is very cold, I have found that my herbs thrive in pots and are much happier.
The benefit to pots can be that you can control the soil the use how much water it gets and also location. I have a row of large terracotta pots all south facing that are full of my Mediterranean herbs. In fact they are the only plants to survive those pots in that location, plus they look great.
If you can plant it into the ground, then you can look forward to watching that plant grow to full size in all its glory. By freeing its roots and letting them spread and grow the plant will do the same. I have one spot that gets full sun has a lot of shelter and good drainage, I planted lavender oregano and thyme and they thrive there, coming back year after year despite the harsh weather we have had recently.
A few Mediterranean herbs
Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful shrub. This very aromatic herb most of us will have heard of and many have more than likely used in cooking.
Click here to learn more about this plant. It isn’t the easiest to grow but one of the most beautiful and stunning when full grown.
Sage
Sage is part of such a huge plant family, salvia. Common sage that we probably think of especially for cooking has beautiful fuzzy leaves that when you touch them you feel the oils on your fingers immediately.
Click here to learn more about growing this great herb.
Thyme
Thyme is funny the most common thyme we use and grow is called English thyme. Obviously not originally from here but has been so embraced and used it has adapted to growing there.
Click here to learn more about some of the different varieties to grow.
Oregano
This is a spicy Mediterranean herb and probably one of the hardiest Mediterranean herbs. It comes back year after year providing a lovely ground cover.
Click here to grow it.
Basil
This is one of the only annual Mediterranean herbs that I grow and tends to require a richer soil that the rest. But it still requires lots of sun it loves warm roots too, and even though it does like a good watering it wont tolerate sitting in any water.
Click here to learn more.
These are just a few there are many many more including lavender, marjoram, bay, fennel and tarragon
Don’t hold back, here’s my resources for Mediterranean herbs
I hope this has helped give you a general overview to growing these wonderful herbs.
Don’t let anything hold you back just give it a go and see what works. That’s all gardening is, just one big experiment. Find what works and go with it that is where the joy is.
A few sites and people I go to for information and advice include:
Leave a Comment