What Kind of Herbs Can You Plant in Damp and Shady Soil?

Angelica

• Angelica thrives in full shade and damp soil conditions. Angelica grows 6 feet tall with bright-green foliage and fleshy, hollow stems. A biennial plant, it produces seeds in the second year. The seeds, flowers, leaves, stalks and roots are all edible. Add angelica leaves to salads and summer greens and chop the stalks for a crunchy, cooked vegetable. The dried root grated into breads and other pastries adds a licorice taste.

Mint and Lemon Balm

• Mint prefers sun but grows well in full shade. Mint thrives in damp growing conditions with deep, rich soil. A spreading perennial, mint sends out underground runners. Plant mint or its relative, lemon balm, in damp shady soil. Harvest the leaves year-round for tea, drinks, salads and cooked dishes. Mint grows 2 to 4 feet tall and quickly creates a fragrant, edible groundcover in a shady area.

Sweet Woodruff

• Sweet woodruff thrives in temperate climates, loves shade and damp soil and it tastes like vanilla. This perennial grow 8 to 12 inches tall with delicate, white flowers and bright-green foliage. Plant sweet woodruff as a groundcover and harvest the leaves in spring and summer. Dry sweet woodruff leaves and add them to sachets and potpourri, or use them for tea or cool summer drinks.

Lungwort

• Plant lungwort in damp, shady conditions. This herb makes a fresh addition to summer salads and it may even keep away slugs, according to the Herb Society. Due to the high alkaloid content, excess use of lungwort can be toxic. The plants grow 6 to 18 inches tall and bloom early in spring. Lungwort is a low-maintenance perennial.

Parsley

• Parsley grows in cool damp climates where it enjoys part shade. In hot climates, plant parsley in a full shade, damp area. It is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean. Plant parsley from seed in the spring. Stagger several plantings for four to six weeks for a continued summer harvest. Take sprigs from the garden as needed. Chop parsley and add it to dishes or use the sprigs as a garnish.