Gardener's note: Mint will grow for anyone, almost anywhere. A marvellous choice for a window box.
Tenacious mint has overgrown a portion of our gravel driveway. Plant it for making refreshing summer drinks and adorning desserts, but keep it contained. Once you have mint, you will always have mint. Ditto for lemon balm.
Kid-friendly herb: Oregano
Gardener's note: Bristol Cross oregano grows in a lovely ball shape; put it in a hanging basket.
Oregano is another invasive herb. Plant it for its lovely scent and flowers. A child of mature tastes will enjoy the bitterness of raw oregano, but a finely chopped mix of basil, thyme and oregano comprise the essential trinity I use to flavour soups and stews my kids love.
More suggestions for your child’s garden of herbs:
• Dill – kids will eat this raw. Great for dips.
• Tarragon – some kids think it tastes like liquorice. Nice with fish.
• Sage – my kids don’t like this raw, but enjoy it in pasta with cream sauce.
• Parsley – great with everything. Also helps with preteen stinky breath.
• Chervil – close relative of parsley. Lovely white flowers.
• Rosemary – this is one my kids prefer to smell over eat. Great with meats.
• Coriander – once kids get to like it, they love it.
• Savory - an acquired taste. Use sparingly until your kids start to enjoy it.
Family-friendly, fresh herb recipes by The Canadian Living Test Kitchen
• Basil Pesto
• French-Style Potato Salad with Herbs
• Chicken Chili Burritos (use fresh oregano)
• Curly Pasta with Tomato Sauce
• Lazy Shepherd’s Pie
• Parsley Mashed Potatoes
