[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ne of the great characteristics of culinary herbs is that besides looking attractive within your landscape, they remain evergreen throughout the winter season.
This evergreen list is a long one: rosemary, garden sage, thyme, oregano, garlic and onion chives, salad burnet, savory, lavender and the two parsleys (Italian and curled) all keep their leaves during the winter.
However I must mention two herbs that are annuals in their growth habits: basil and cilantro. These culinary herbs grow in entirely opposite seasons.
Basil loves the heat of summer, while cilantro loves the cool temperatures of fall and winter.
So now is the time to plant basil… and October will be the time to harvest basil before it’s lost to the first freeze. That is when you will plant your cilantro.
Currently at our nursery we have tables overflowing with nine different types of basil, including Italian large leaf, Greek, Indian tulsi, Thai green holy, Thai red holy, Siam Queen Thai… and a few others. Each has a different role in the culinary traditions of its country of origin.
If you are growing Italian large leaf basil, you might try your hand at making some pesto this coming fall.
Pesto (from the Italian verb ‘to crush’) is a versatile sauce with many uses in pasta, soups, pizza and for flavoring breads. Also it is easy to store in the freezer. (We fill old-fashioned ice trays and use cubes for soups and pasta dishes.)
All you need to make a great pesto is olive oil, basil leaves, pine nuts (substitute walnut or pecans), garlic, and parmesan cheese. Here is a traditional Italian recipe that my family always enjoys.
Question : Do you have any suggestions for good lettuce varieties for the Austin area? I’ve had terrible luck with head lettuce in the past and wonder if I’m planting the right varieties.
Answer : Leaf lettuce always does the best for me. My favorite is Red Sails.
This leaf lettuce turns a brilliant red in cooler weather, adding an ornamental dimension to the winter garden. It’s delicious to eat too.
Some other lettuce varieties suitable to our Buda / Kyle / Austin area are salad bowl, oakleaf, ruby black-seeded simpson, and buttercrunch.
Question: Any suggestions for leek varieties that can be successfully grown in this area?
Answer : My favorite is Lancelot. This variety produces long, white shafts to 12 to 14 inches and bluish-green foliage. Leeks can also be planted alongside onions and garlic.
Happy Gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme,11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 itsaboutthyme.com
