What Herbs Don't Transplant Well?

Dill

• Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a delicious addition to fish and soups and the seeds can be mashed and steeped in hot water to create a herbal tea that is said to alleviate stomach problems. This sun-loving perennial does not take well to transplanting. Luckily, dill is easy to cultivate from seed sown directly into a variety of well-drained soils. Seeds can be sown close together and lightly covered with soil. Do not plant dill near caraway, angelica or fennel. Remember it grows up to 3 feet tall so place accordingly.

Coriander

• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb commonly found in Asian and Mexican dishes. The entire plant can be used. In holistic medicine it is used as an anti-flatulent and digestive aid. The leaves alone are also known as cilantro. Seeds need to be planted directly into the garden 8 to 10 inches apart, 1/2 inch deep, in a sunny spot and kept moist to ensure germination. If you are growing to harvest the leaves, plant the seeds in an area that receives some shade during the hottest parts of the day; this way you will encourage less seed generation.

Fennel

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) resembles anise in it's flavor. It's bulb can be sauteed, grilled, boiled or simply eaten raw. It's leaves and seeds can be added to salads or fish dishes. It is also used as flavoring in homeopathic toothpaste. Medicinally it has been used as a diuretic and cough medicine. Fennel doesn't need incredibly rich soil; in fact, it is recommended that it be grown in less rich yet well drained soil. It is a tall plant (3 to 4 feet) so keep this in mind when choosing a location for planting. Fennel can survive harsh winters if mulched heavily beforehand.

Anise

• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a herbaceous annual plant which has a flavor similar to that of licorice or fennel and is used to flavor black jellybeans. It has been used medicinally to combat flatulence and to ease menstrual cramping.

  Anise seed is sown directly into the soil 1/2 inch deep in spring in rows 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart. Planting anise close to coriander improves anise seed formation, which is the part of the plant used. Plant in full sun and water regularly in the evenings.