How to Grow Hispanic Herbs

Planting

• 1

  Select a garden space with plenty of direct sunshine. Hispanic herbs can be planted alongside existing gardens, but some gardeners prefer to create special gardens just for herbs. If starting from scratch, consider planting a “four-square” garden, with small paved, stone or earthen pathways for walking, kneeling and gardening the four herb plots. It makes practical sense, but is also a cultural nod to Hispanic haciendas, which are classically built around an internal courtyard.

• 2

  Create a list of Hispanic herbs desired for the garden. Popular Hispanic herbs include cilantro, mint, oregano, sweet basil, cumin, hoja santa (known in English as root beer plant), epazote, papaloquelita, lemon verbena and pipicha.

• 3

  Prepare the soil. Existing gardens should be turned with a spade and mixed with organic fertilizer, such as shredded leaves or a commercial mix. When removing grass to create a new garden, take care to remove all grass roots, seed, sod, rocks and other objects that can create problems in the Hispanic herb garden.

• 4

  Plant the seeds or Hispanic herb transplants, depending on personal preference. Make sure to read packet labels to determine appropriate planting times for regional climates. The general rule is to plant cilantro in the fall and everything else in the spring, after final winter frosts.

• 5

  Water moderately to avoid stagnant pools of water and root rot. Many Hispanic herbs are grown in drier climates with moderate rainfall, so aim for at least 1 inch of water per week, including any rainfall.