Plant a Historical Herb Garden

Have you ever asked a kid what they thought about history? Chances are they said, “It’s boring!” Well, here’s a way to make history both interesting and relevant. Design a garden using plants that were used by people in Colonial times. The plants they used are quite common and still used today but for different purposes. For instance, most of us don’t have to run out to our herb garden to get some sage for a snake bite! The herbs can be found at any greenhouse or home improvement store garden center. With summer just around the corner, this activity is a great way to spend some quality time outside with your child.

• Trowel
• Planting or Potting Mix
• Plants – Mint, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Thyme, Yarrow, Sage, Rosemary and Lamb’s Ear

1. Select a sunny garden location to plant the herbs, or purchase some pots if you don't have garden space.

2. Dig a hole deep enough and wide enough to accommodate the root size of the plant. You’ll want the hole to be a little wider than the plant’s container. Follow the individual planting instructions that came with the herbs. Repeat the process for each herb.

3. Prepare the soil for planting by mixing some planting mix in with the soil you’ve dug up.

4. Place the plants in the holes and fill in around the plant with loose dirt. Tamp the soil down to eliminate any air pockets.

5. Water thoroughly.

The plants may be arranged however you wish. In Colonial times the herb garden was for function not aesthetics, and was prized for its medicinal and culinary purposes, not to impress the neighbors. Therefore, the garden was often planted close to the house so people didn’t have to go far to get what they needed.