Herb gardens are some of our favorite spaces to plan thanks to their host of benefits and relatively simple care. Some of the easiest herbs to grow are also preferred for stress-relieving tea blends and recipes. Growing your own also means a shorter harvest to consumption time, meaning more plant potency. Take some time this winter to find haven in the herb garden this summer. Plan a new herb garden or additions to the existing landscape.

Illustration by Sophie Steck

Planning
Many herbs used to alleviate stress are perennials, meaning you can plant them once as anchors in the garden and they return each season. We like to leave spaces throughout for annual herbs that reseed or that can be changed season to season if desired. Keep mounding and low-growing plants like thyme and lemon balm toward the outside to spill over paths or grass edges. Showcase taller plants like bee balm and valerian in the center or back of the garden. If you have an existing vegetable garden, add herbs on the edges or in between veggies to boost pollinator habitat and deter pests.

Some herbs like mint spread quickly. We recommend spearmint or peppermint for stress relief, whichever you enjoy the taste of best. It is important to give mint room to grow or plant in a container. Space plants so you can access them from the sides, or use stepping stones throughout to minimize soil compaction.

It is best to plant perennial herbs in the ground or a lower raised bed that is in contact with the ground. Tree, shrub, and perennial roots need to remain insulated during Vermont’s cold weather months to ensure they survive and succeed in spring.

Care & Maintenance
Most herbs require little maintenance and don’t mind average soils. Once established, they can handle dry conditions. Compost or organic fertilizer can be added in spring. We recommend skipping fall cleanup and waiting to tidy gardens in spring once temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees F. For woody herbs like lavender and sage, wait until spring to prune away any winter die back. After a few seasons, you may want to divide larger perennials which is a nice way to share herbs and their relaxing qualities with others.

Harvest
It is easy to overharvest and use all of an herb plant before it flowers. Many gardeners are surprised to learn that herbs flower beautifully and attract pollinators. We like to plant enough so that we can harvest some for ourselves and leave some to enjoy in bloom. Let some annual herbs like chamomile and calendula go to seed if you want them to return the next season.

Personalize
As you plan an herb garden, reflect on the special things that lower your own stress. Tap into your senses. For some gardeners, watching pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds is meditative. Including a few flowering plants just for these creatures can be beneficial for everyone. Fragrance is another stress-reducing element for some. Including an herb garden can also be a space for creativity. Relax in your own oasis through drawing, journaling, or painting all that you have grown.

Relaxing Tea Blend with Dried Garden Herbs
Yields 4-5 servings

2 TB Lemon Balm leaves, dried
2 TB Chamomile flowers, dried
2 TB Valerian root, dried (adjust to 1 TB for less of a sleep-aid effect)

Mix herbs.

Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1-2 TB of tea blend. Let steep for 8-10 minutes.

Soothe Tea Blend with Fresh Garden Herbs
Yields 2 cups

2 TB Chamomile flowers, fresh
2 TB Mint leaves, fresh

Mix herbs. Pour 2 cups of water over all leaves and flowers. Let steep for 30-60 minutes.

Plant Recommendations for Stress-Relieving Garden