Give Mom an Herb Garden

Plant one small herb per small pot, or combine several in a larger pot.

A big pot with three different basil plants will give Mom culinary options and room for the plants to get big. This one contains Sweet, Cinnamon, and Spicy Globe basils, useful for Italian, Thai, and Greek dishes.

Here is an easy way to amaze the moms in your life a gift that they’ll enjoy many times over—an herb garden in a pot. Mother, sister, wife, in-law, or aunt—all will delight at the chance to pinch a few handy herbs at the back door. Does one really like Italian food? Thai food? Flavorful roll-ups? Definitely include basil. Which one garnishes dishes like deviled eggs? Give her parsley. Which would add flowers to a salad? Give her chives. How about mint? It’s useful in everything from a Mojito or lemonade to Greek yogurt sauce. Is there a meat and potatoes cook in your life? Liven her pot roast or beef stew with fresh thyme.

Guys, this is a perfect personal gift (that’s not underwear) and it grows bigger and better through the summer. You’ll amaze the Moms in your life, and who knows, they might even make you a tasty dish.

You can pick out a vivid color pots, but of course, any pot with drainage will do. You can plant one herb per small 8-inch pot, or combine several in a larger 14-inch pot. Larger pots are easier to keep watered, especially where summer is hot.

For a big pot, a basil combo is tasty and aromatic. Sweet basil is the classic basil flavor. Thai basil is a little stronger and more anise-like. Cinnamon basil has hints of cinnamon. Lemon basil has a basil-citrus scent and flavor.

Here are some other possible herb combos that work well in a large pot.

• Thyme, rosemary, and parsley
• Basil, rosemary, and oregano
• Mint and basil
• Chives, rosemary, and oregano

Plant the herbs in a premium potting mix; quality is important so that the roots grow well. Add a little green jug of Bonnie’s new Herb and Vegetable Plant Food to your gift and your pot of herbs will keep on giving as they grow! Let the women in your life know that you love them, give them Bonnie herb plants!