Based on the average winter temperatures of a few years, plant hardiness zone maps have been developed in the US. The main purpose of these hardiness zones is to identify how well different herbs or plants can withstand the winter temperatures of these zones. North America has been divided into 13 zones. This article enlists different types of zone 1 to zone 11 herb plants that can be grown easily by even beginners.
- Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint tends to spread readily in a garden, even without much effort, and it can be hard to control. It is one of the most ideal zones 3 to zone 11 herb plants for a hardy herb garden. Mint likes moist but not too soggy soil, though this herb is known to bounce back from a little bit of drought. However, it is always best to water if the foliage seems dry and wilted. Also, it is recommended to pinch back the stem when want to have a bushier plant; otherwise, this herb tends to get leggy as it stretches toward sunlight.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a wonderfully forgiving herb appropriate for growing in zones 5 to 9. This herb is efficient enough to tolerate drought, mowing, stepping on, no fertilizer, and more. Thyme is known for doing well if it is left to creep along a pathway, finding a hold between pavers. And also, it can be tucked into crevasses of rock walls exposed to the sun. Make sure not to plant thyme in a shady place, as it needs a lot of light to thrive.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is a biennial plant that completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. However, many people prefer growing it as an annual to make things easier, as they avoid having to overwinter the herb. In addition to this, parsley’s taste can degrade in its second growing season. Appropriate for growing in zones 2 to 11, parsley can take a while to grow from seed, and also, it has a low germination rate. Plant this herb in rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a popular and easy herb to grow in zones 2 to 11. The aromatic leaves of this herb are a favorite in many dishes. This is a fast-growing plant and also does well in containers as they do in the ground. Once the basil plant is about 6 inches tall, it is essential to pinch off the top leaves to ensure bushier growth and also prevent the herb from sending up flowers.
Conclusion
When opting for growing the zone 11 herb plants, the most significant thing to remember is to match the plants’ needs to the soil. For instance, northern plants with a high heat tolerance are known to perform well if they are afforded some protection from the sizzling sun’s rays and are also kept evenly moist.