Growing Herb and Spice Gardens in North American Soil

When you think of herbs and spices, chances are you think of exotic places such as India or the Mediterranean. Most herb and spice plants aren’t North American in origin, so it makes sense that they are seldom associated with western gardening. Even though most herbs and spices didn’t originate in the west, growing herb and spice gardens in North American soil is entirely possible.

What Grows Naturally?

If you want to grow herb and spice gardens in North American soil, it is best to start with plants that are naturally acclimated to the northern climate. You can start your herb and spice garden in North American soil with plants such as horseradish, mint, and plant members of the capsicum family, which is where we get paprika.

Horseradish was brought to the United States sometime in the 1600’s. After it was planted it established itself and now grows wild in many parts of the east coast. It has grown so long in the country that it performs as if it were a native species. Mint also came to the States in the 1600’s. Commercial growers began to produce it at the time of the American Civil War, but it grows so well on its own, that it has become a naturalized plant in many regions of North America. Paprika comes from plants of the capsicum family and grows naturally in Mexico and the United States of America. It is an interesting spice to cultivate, because differences in the soil of each region in which it is grown will give it a unique flavor.

When you start your North American herb and spice garden with plants that naturally grow in North America, you know that the plants will grow successfully because they are already acclimated to the weather and soil conditions.

Bringing World Wide Appeal To Your North American Herb And Spice Garden

Even though most spices are native to more tropical regions, many can be adapted to the climates of the northern hemisphere. Almost all herbs grow well in North America as long as they are either grown as annuals, grown in containers so they can be brought indoors for the winter, or properly mulched in order to live through cold spells.

The plants that produce spices can also be adapted to the climates and soils of North America. Some great plants to add to your North American herb and spice garden include the laurel tree, which produces bay leaves, junipers, which produce berries that can be used in all sorts of culinary dishes, and poppies, the seeds of which can be used to flavor baked goods.