The Demo Garden Blog

In addition to mint varieties, the “Cousins” in and around Bed #6 include a mixture of herbs such as oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and sage (Salvia officinalis). While “mint” is not part of their name, they all belong to the Lamiaceae family, also known as the Mint family.

Other Cousins

Other mint-cousins include anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). Mint, and a selection of other herbs in the mint family, are described in the table, below.

Herb Uses

While this post features members of the mint family, these and many other herbs are found in gardens across Kansas. As described in Chapter 14 of the Kansas Garden Guide¹, herbs are frequently grown for use in food preparation (culinary herbs); while others are used for teas, medicinal purposes, or ornamentally. In the Demo Garden, and in many home gardens, herbs are also grown to support insect and pollinator groups.

Herb Categories

Herbs are categorized as annual and as perennial or biennial. Tables within the Kansas Garden Guide show various varieties of herbs and their interesting characteristics¹ (pages 128-132). A link to the online version of the Kansas Garden Guide is provided in the references for this post, please take a look.

Growing Herbs

If herbs are grown for culinary purposes, plants can be trimmed back when they begin to flower. While herb flowers attract pollinators, they should be removed when the blooms fade to promote healthy foliage growth. This is less important if the foliage is used for something other than flavoring foodstuff.

Harvesting & Storage

For herbs grown for their fresh foliage, approximately 3-6 inch stems should be harvested when the leaves are fully formed and stems are tender¹. The uppermost tops of rosemary and thyme are clipped when plants are in full bloom. Note that herb harvest is best accomplished in early morning, before the sun is hot².

Herbs grown to dry or freeze can be harvested just before buds open, when the flavor is at peak. Once harvested, clean herbs under cool running water and drain on paper towels². To dry, herbs can be tied in loose bundles and hung in a well-ventilated room¹ or dried using a dehydrator.

Harvesting herb seeds and blooms can be completed when the seed heads turn brown. Once cut from the plant the seed heads can be placed in a paper bag to allow the seeds to drop off, then transfer the seeds to a fine wire mesh or cheesecloth until completely dry².  

After herbs or seeds are completely dried, they can be stored in air-tight containers in a low-light, cool, dry area^1,2.

Wishes from the Demo Garden

Whether growing herbs or other garden plants, we hope that you experience a plentiful harvest. We have a few more Demo Garden Blog entries planned, please check back soon.

References

1. McMahon, R., Cloyd, R., et al. (2023). Kansas Garden Guide (pp. 123-132). K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, accessed August 29, 2025 at: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/kansas-garden-guide_S51.pdf
2. Naeve, L. & Hayes, C. (2023). Growing, Harvesting, and Drying Herbs. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University, accessed September 4, 2025 at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-harvesting-and-drying-herbs  
3. Sources for the table: Mint and Selected Lamiaceae Family Members
   • Mint: https://extension.illinois.edu/herbs/mint  and
     https://nutritionalgeography.faculty.ucdavis.edu/mint/
   • Horehound: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/marrubium-vulgare/   and
     https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/horehound-in-the-garden
   • Hyssop: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hyssopus-officinalis/
   • Lemon Balm: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/melissa-officinalis/
   • Oregano: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/origanum/  and
     https://class.ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-04/FactSheet_Herb_Oregano_2021.01.15.pdf
   • Thyme: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/thymus-vulgaris/

Contributing writer: Victoria Mosack, Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener

Many Thanks!

While harvest continues in the Demo Garden, the 2025 season for the Plant-A-Row/ICT Food Rescue partnership has come to a close. As you consider plants for your 2026 garden beds, please include plans to donate extra produce next summer. Thank you to everyone who made contributions this year!