German Chamomile has been cultivated as a medicinal herb for thousands of years and was used by ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Vikings. An easy care annual in the daisy family, it has small white flowers with large yellow hollow cone centers that proliferate on a bushy shrub of feathery foliage. Only the sweet apple-scented flowers are used fresh or dried, usually steeped into a soothing herbal tea that can be used as a facial tonic or sipped by kids and adults right before it’s time to go night-night.

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects; repels cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, cucumber beetles, and mosquitoes; and is said to increase the fragrance and flavor of aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Roman Chamomile has many of the same uses, but is a low-growing, evergreen perennial groundcover with fewer, but larger flowers. You can determine which type of Chamomile you have if you cut open the yellow center of the flower. Roman has solid centers while German has hollow ones.

As a medicinal herb, Chamomile has been used internally to treat allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, colds, colic, cough, flatulence, gum disease, headache, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), menstrual cramps, morning sickness, stress, nervousness, restlessness, and stomach upset, and externally to treat burns, earache, hemorrhoids, mouth sores, skin problems, sunburns, teething pain, tired eyes, toothache, and wounds.

⚠️ Do not handle or ingest if you are allergic to ragweed.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

• Abundant blossoms
• Apple fragrance
• Grows 2'-3' tall
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Matricaria chamomilla
• Life cycle: Herbaceous annual
• Hardiness zones: 4-9
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• Days to maturity: 55-70 days
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 55F-75F
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, silty, shallow, poor, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.0-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Water needs: Low - do not overwater
• Cold stratify: Yes
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Heat tolerant: Yes
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Culinary use: No
• Medicinal use: Yes

Good companion plants: Basil, Bean, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chives, Collards, Cucumber, Fava Bean, Garlic, Hyssop, Kale, Lavender, Marigold, Mint, Mustard, Onion, Oregano, Pepper, Parsley, Rosemary, Soybean, Sage, Thyme, Squash, Tomato, Zucchini

More facts about Chamomile:

• Chamomile helps combat headaches, toothaches, and earaches.
• Sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially ones that produce essential oils.
• Thought to increase production of those oils, making certain herbs, like mints (spearmint, sage, oregano) and basil stronger in scent and flavor.
• Can be taken as a herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for ten to fifteen minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile oils. 

See Chamomile Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Carrot gets its characteristic and bright orange colour from β-carotene, which is metabolised into vitamin A in humans when bile salts are present in the intestines. Carrots are also rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, and minerals.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a versatile perennial allium that delivers delicate onion flavor to culinary applications. This hardy herb establishes quickly in garden beds or containers, preferring full sun and moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Chives produce attractive purple-pink flower clusters that bloom throughout spring and summer, offering ornamental appeal alongside culinary utility. Continuous harvesting encourages bushier growth and extends productivity across multiple seasons. The plant's shallow root system makes it an excellent companion in vegetable gardens, and its pungent foliage naturally repels certain garden pests. Exceptionally cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established, chives require minimal maintenance while providing consistent harvests for soups, salads, and garnishes. An indispensable addition for any edible garden.

•  Also known as Allium Scoenoprasum.  A perennial plant that grows narrow, grass-like leaves that have a mild onion-like flavor
  
  - Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, contain trace amounts of sulfur, and are rich in calcium and iron
  
  - Used for many culinary creations 
  
  - Perfect for containers and small spaces
  
  - The plant will grow to about 12" tall
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 80 days
  
  
• Chives | Chives are grown best in cooler weather, are cold hardy and usually are planted early in the spring. Sow your chive seeds directly into the soil as soon as it is workable and at least 60 degrees F. 
  
  Click here for complete Chives grow guide

If you like Chives, try growing Scallions.

See Chive Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Caraway is an ancient aromatic herb, famous for being the spice in rye bread and German sauerkraut. A biennial in the carrot family that grows 1'-3' tall, with feathery foliage and tiny white flowers. The seeds, which have an earthy-citrusy-peppery flavor, are the most used, but the flowers, leaves, stems, and root (which looks like a small parsnip, and can be used like any other root vegetable) are also edible. While you’re waiting for the flowers, seeds, and roots to develop in the second year, spend the first year using the leaves, which have a parsley-dill flavor, in salads, soups, and sautés.

• Parsley-dill flavor
• All parts are edible
• Culinary and medicinal uses
• Good for containers

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot root fly, and caterpillars.

As a medicinal herb, Caraway has been used internally to treat asthma, bad breath, bloating, colds, colic, cough, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea, sore throat, and stomach cramps, and externally to treat arthritis, bruises, burns, skin irritation, toothache, and wounds.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Carum carvi
• Life cycle: Herbaceous biennial
• Hardiness zones: 4-9
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• Days to maturity: 70 days-2 years; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 65F-75F
• Spacing between plants: 8"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2 plants per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, chalky, poor, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Water needs: Average
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Heat tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes 

Good Companion Plants: Bean, Beet, Blueberry, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Fava Bean, Kale, Mustard, Onion, Pea, Radish, Soybean, Strawberry, Tomato

What is Caraway?

Caraway is a biennial. This means it takes two years for the plant to mature, produce seeds, then die. During the winter you may not see any evidence of the plant even though the roots are preparing for spring. So mark your spot carefully so you don’t accidentally dig them up in the spring.

An interesting legend that goes along with Caraway is that it had the power to prevent the theft of objects that had seeds nearby and it also kept lovers from losing interest in one another.  Still, some believe Caraway has beneficial healing powers and you can use the oil, fruit and seeds as medicine.

Health Benefits of Caraway

Women can use Caraway oil to relieve menstral cramps. Feeling bloated or have a bit of indigestion? Chewing on a few Caraway seeds can help relieve your symptoms!

Ways to Consume Caraway

If you want to consume the leaves, pick them when they are young and tender. The roots are also edible when the plant is young.  Use Caraway seeds in baked goods, such as breads, and buns.  Add them to vegetable and fruit dishes, especially curries.  Use leaves and seeds alike to make hot and cold teas.

Caraway seeds have a sharp, pungent, slightly licorice taste that’s is delicious with green beans, potatoes, cabbage, onions, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and apples. Try mixing it with cucumber and sour cream. It’s delicious with sausage and beef.

See Caraway Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• Copenhagen cabbages are a good early variety that produces uniform, globe-shaped 6" diameter heads that are firm and solid, weighing about 3 -4 lbs
  
  - The plant is compact and short-stemmed
  
  - Heads are a light green color
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 65 days
  
  
• Cabbage Seeds | Cabbage is an annual cool-season crop, hardy to frost and light freezes. Plant in rows 2 1/2 feet apart, with 12-16 inches between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Cabbage grow guide

Did you know? Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C! It also contains significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Cabbage can also be included in dieting programs, as it is a low calorie food.

Snowball Cauliflower seeds produce large, pristine white heads reaching approximately 7 inches across. These self-blanching varieties feature smooth, creamy curds protected by abundant outer leaves, eliminating the need for manual blanching. Known for exceptional reliability and heavy yields, Snowball is a trusted choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The plants mature in about 65 days, delivering consistent, restaurant-quality heads perfect for fresh eating, roasting, or storage. A dependable garden staple that rarely disappoints.

• Snowball Cauliflowers are large (appx. 7" across)
• Smooth textured with white heads and large leaves
• This popular variety is an extremely dependable crop with heavy yields
• Popular amongst all gardeners 
• Days to Maturity | 65 days

• This Golden Acre variety is recommended by USU.
  
  - A slow bolting, vigorous, early cabbage with 5 to 6 inch round head.
  
  - Mild flavor
  
  - Easy to grow
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 65 days
  
  
• Cabbage Seeds | Cabbage is an annual cool-season crop, hardy to frost and light freezes. Plant in rows 2 1/2 feet apart, with 12-16 inches between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Cabbage grow guide

Additional Details

Did you know? Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C! It also contains significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Cabbage can also be included in dieting programs, as it is a low calorie food.

• This popular broccoli variety produces a short, 24 inch plant with medium-large heads.
  
  
• Withstands cold extremely well.
  
  
• Best grows for a fall crop.
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 85 days
  
  
• Broccoli is high in vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber; it also contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as diindolylmethane and small amounts of selenium. A single serving provides more than 30 mg of Vitamin C and a half-cup provides 52 mg of Vitamin C.
  

• This is the very popular Chinese non-heading Cabbage variety
  
  - Produces loose spoon shaped leaves with thick white ribs
  
  - Tender, crisp and mild
  
  - Cold resistant
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 45-50 days
  
  
• Cabbage Seeds | Cabbage is an annual cool-season crop, hardy to frost and light freezes. Plant in rows 2 1/2 feet apart, with 12-16 inches between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Cabbage grow guide

Did you know? Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C! It also contains significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Cabbage can also be included in dieting programs, as it is a low calorie food.

Grow delicious Long Island Catskill Start seeds indoors in early May for transplanting in June or early July. Plant in rows 3 feet apart with 30 inches between plants. These sprouts thrive in cool weather and develop best with proper spacing. Stake plants as they grow top-heavy, especially in windy locations. Monitor for pests and diseases common to brassicas early in the season. Avoid planting within 10 feet of other brassica crops from the past 3-7 years to prevent soil-borne issues. Water consistently and harvest sprouts from the bottom up as they mature over 90-120 days. in your garden with these premium seeds.

This popular variety produces miniature cabbage-like heads packed with flavor and nutrition. These sprouts develop best in cool weather. Rich in calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and sulforaphane—a compound with potential anti-cancer properties—these Brussels sprouts are as nutritious as they are tasty. Perfect for gardeners looking to add a classic, cold-season vegetable to their harvest.

• Brussels sprouts have shallow roots, so as they become top heavy, you may need to stake them, particularly if exposed to strong winds.
  
  
• As with other brassicas, Brussels Sprouts are susceptible to pests and diseases that must be kept under control early in the season. As with other brassicas, composting roots should be avoided.
  
  
• Brussels Sprouts should not be grown within a 10 foot radius of any brassica growing location within the last 3 years, preferably 7 years.
  
  
• Brussels Sprouts are high in calcium and iron, as well as a good source of vitamins A and C.
  
  
• This popular Brussels Sprout variety produces miniature cabbage-like heads which are extremely tasty and nutritious.
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 90-120 days
  
  
• Brussel Sprouts | Start seed indoors in early May so plants are ready to set out in June or early July. The sprouts develop best in cool weather. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with 30 inches between the plants.
  

Additional Details

Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties. Although boiling reduces the level of the anti-cancer compounds, steaming, microwaving, and stirring.

The Roma II Bush Bean is an Italian snap bean with flat stringless pods. A tender, meaty bean that retains its fresh flavor when cooked or canned, and is hearty enough to throw on the grill. This high yielder grows tall, making it easy to harvest lots of wide 5"-6" pods.

• Easy to grow
• Tender and flavorful
• Stringless variety
• High yields

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Depth to plant seeds: 1.25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 5-6" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 58-65 days

Click here to view our full Bean grow guide

Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato

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BUSH BEANS
FAVA & BROAD BEANS
LIMA BEANS
POLE BEANS

The Henderson Lima Bean is an old heirloom with a reputation for easy growth and high yields of small, but plump pods and beans. This is one bean that requires higher temperatures for best production. Raw beans are toxic, so enjoy its smooth, creamy, buttery flavor after cooking, either shelled or dried. This compact bush-type plant spreads wider than green beans, so give them room to grow.

• Easy to grow
• Bush growth habit
• Heat loving
• Superb flavor

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Phaseolus lunatus
• Depth to plant seeds: 1.5" deep
• Spacing between plants: 6"-8" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-30" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-90F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 65-75 days

Click here to view our full Bean grow guide.

Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato

Shop more:  
BUSH BEANS
FAVA & BROAD BEANS
LIMA BEANS
POLE BEANS

The Top Crop Bush Bean lives up to its name. This All-American Selections (AAS) winner produces high yields high up on a tall plant for easy harvesting. The 6"-7" pods are smooth, round, straight, and stringless, and they mature early in about 50 days. Also add heat tolerant to the list.

• Easy to grow
• Easy to harvest
• Heat tolerant
• Matures early—50 days

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris
  
• Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep
  
• Spacing between plants: 4" apart
  
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 50-55 days

Click here to view our full Bean grow guide

Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato

Shop more:  
BUSH BEANS
FAVA & BROAD BEANS
LIMA BEANS
POLE BEANS

The Contender Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the best tasting green beans, and it can tolerate the heat. An early and prolific producer, pods can grow 6"-8" long, and are slightly curved with a distinct flavor. This stringless variety is great for canning, freezing, or eating fresh from the garden.

• Easy to grow
• Stringless variety
• Matures quickly—50 days
• Heat tolerant

Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also called Aniseed, is a sweet, aromatic annual in the parsley family.

The leaves and flowers are lacy, delicate, and delicious, and plants can grow 2'-3' tall.

With a fresh licorice flavor, use as you would Tarragon and Fennel in both savory meat and vegetable dishes, salads and dressings, and sweet baked goods, such as biscotti.

Chew the seeds for a natural breath freshener and digestif. Its aromatic seeds are also used for cooking and herbal medicine.

You may be familiar with the anise flavor if you've had absinthe, as anise seeds are the basis for this famous alcoholic beverage. 

• Licorice flavor
• Edible seeds and leaves
• Culinary and medicinal
• Good for containers
  
  

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, slugs, and snails, but is strangely irresistible to bears, deer, dogs, and mice.

As a medicinal herb, Anise has been used internally to treat bad breath, bloating, constipation, cough, flatulence, hot flashes, indigestion, lack of appetite, migraine headaches, and upset stomach, and externally to treat bronchitis, eye pain, and swelling. 

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

📚 Anise Grow Guide

The Green Globe Artichoke produces a large, delicious green flower bud that opens into a purple thistle if left to flower. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with lots of room for this plant to grow. Artichokes are perennial plants that keep coming back bigger and more productive every year. For a dramatic difference in color, try growing the Violet Star Artichoke.

• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Usually produces in 2nd year
• Perennial

Genovese Basil, also called Sweet Basil, has large, tender, fragrant leaves and sweet, spicy anise flavor. The best basil for pesto. The flower spikes dotted with tiny white edible flowers make a delicate garnish or salad addition. This heat-loving herb is a reliable producer and all-around great Italian basil.

Genovese Basil is a classic! It's prized for being sweet with undertones of a spicy flavor. You can't beat its aroma. These plants grow anywhere from 18"-24" inches and is the variety of choice for making pesto and adding to pizzas.

Use it in pesto, pasta and pizza sauce, Caprese salad, antipasto, curries, cocktails, smoothies, dressing, herb butter, oil, vinegar, and herbal tea.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Sweet and spicy
• Grows 2'-3' tall
• Besto for pesto
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms.

What is Genovese Basil?

The most commonly used basil variety for making pesto, you can harvest these leaves as soon as they are large enough to consume. Genovese basil is also known as "Sweet Basil" and a common ingredient to all Italian dishes. The leaves are spoon shaped, glossy and a dark green shade.   It grows best in organic-rich and well drained soil and is an easy to grow annual herb that thrives in areas that remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Health Benefits of Genovese Basil

Genovese basil is a known health tonic for expecting mothers and when mixed with tea it increases lactation in mothers.  It is also a nerve tonic and young children are sometimes encouraged to chew on the leaves of basil because it stimulates brain cells and can increase memory.  

Ways to Consume Genovese Basil

The most popular use is in italian dishes and sauces, especially in genovese sauce and pesto. Genovese Basil goes great in caprese salads and on raw tomatoes for a light, healthy "summery" treat.  Mix basil leaves with olive oil and freeze in ice-cube trays for flavored oils when cooking.  

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Roquette Arugula (also called Rocket) is one of the easiest leafy greens you can grow, and can be harvested as early as 20 days after planting. The young seed pods, flowers, leaves, and mature seeds are all edible. A member of the mustard family, the leaves of the Arugula plant add a deliciously tangy/peppery flavor to any meal.

• Easy to grow
• Entire plant is edible
• Frost tolerant
• Quick to mature — 20 days for baby greens!
  

The Mary Washington Asparagus is a popular old heirloom variety that produces vigorous, uniform spears with a sweet, nutty flavor. Asparagus plants are perennials that can easily produce for 20+ years, so give this vegetable a permanent and sunny spot in your garden. To ensure many years of future production, wait until the second year to cut and consume the spears. 

• Early producer
• Cold hardy, but protect from frost
• Easy to care for, once established
• Beautiful fern-like foliage lingers after harvest

Asparagus can be considered a power food among veggies. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, delivering a more complete balance than any other. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as iron, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. It is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, contains no fat, no cholesterol and has only 20 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

An established bed of 25 asparagus plants will produce about 10 pounds of asparagus per year.