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Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More than 100 Herbs
In Homegrown Herbs, Tammi Hartung provides the definitive guide to planting, growing, harvesting, and using more than 100 herbs. An internationally renowned herbalist, teacher, and certified organic grower, Hartung has filled this indispensable reference with a wide range of information gathered from her 30 years of studying and working hands-on with these amazing plants.
Homegrown Herbs is a step-by-step primer for gardeners of every level. It includes in-depth profiles of 101 cultivars, including information on seed selection, planting, maintenance and care, harvesting, drying, and uses in the kitchen, home pharmacy, crafting, and body care. Hartung supports these profiles with an array of herb garden designs, illustrations, and at-a-glance charts. Sensational four-color photographs by Saxon Holt bring the information to life, and an introduction by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar highlights the importance of the book to both individuals and the planet as a whole.
Packed with valuable information, Homegrown Herbs is much more than an encyclopedia of herbs—Hartung shares her passionate and compelling vision for a world that is filled with greater abundance, pleasure, joy, and compassion. With Hartung as a guide, readers will find that growing herbs is more than simply a practical act; it is also an inspired one that brings beauty, flavor, and healing to the everyday... and to the world at large.
Homegrown Herbs is a step-by-step primer for gardeners of every level. It includes in-depth profiles of 101 cultivars, including information on seed selection, planting, maintenance and care, harvesting, drying, and uses in the kitchen, home pharmacy, crafting, and body care. Hartung supports these profiles with an array of herb garden designs, illustrations, and at-a-glance charts. Sensational four-color photographs by Saxon Holt bring the information to life, and an introduction by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar highlights the importance of the book to both individuals and the planet as a whole.
Packed with valuable information, Homegrown Herbs is much more than an encyclopedia of herbs—Hartung shares her passionate and compelling vision for a world that is filled with greater abundance, pleasure, joy, and compassion. With Hartung as a guide, readers will find that growing herbs is more than simply a practical act; it is also an inspired one that brings beauty, flavor, and healing to the everyday... and to the world at large.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2000
205 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Tammi Hartung
10 books16 followersTammi Hartung is an ethnobotanical herbalist and organic farmer with more than 42 years of experience working with plants.
She and her husband, Chris, own Desert Canyon Farm, a certified organic farm since 1996 in southern Colorado, where they grow more than 3200 varieties of plants. They grow all types of herbs, heritage and heirloom food plants, native and wildlife habitat plants, edible flowers and more. In their flower seed production field, they grow over 60 varieties of perennials for a German seed company called Jelitto Perennial Seed Co, so seeds from Tammi's farm end up being grown by gardeners and growers all over the world!
Tammi is an international speaker and the author of Homegrown Herbs, The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener and Cattail Moonshine & Milkweed Medicine. She blogs at desertcanyonfarm.wordpress.com
Tammi is passionate about plants and their relationship with people past, present and future. If a plant has been used by people or animals, Tammi is interested to understand that relationship. In addition, she is an avid hiker, a embroiderer of colored threads, loves to write, and enjoys life on her small farm with her husband, 3 very helpful cats, Cedar the farm dog, a sassy duck named Hannah and loads of wildlife.
She and her husband, Chris, own Desert Canyon Farm, a certified organic farm since 1996 in southern Colorado, where they grow more than 3200 varieties of plants. They grow all types of herbs, heritage and heirloom food plants, native and wildlife habitat plants, edible flowers and more. In their flower seed production field, they grow over 60 varieties of perennials for a German seed company called Jelitto Perennial Seed Co, so seeds from Tammi's farm end up being grown by gardeners and growers all over the world!
Tammi is an international speaker and the author of Homegrown Herbs, The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener and Cattail Moonshine & Milkweed Medicine. She blogs at desertcanyonfarm.wordpress.com
Tammi is passionate about plants and their relationship with people past, present and future. If a plant has been used by people or animals, Tammi is interested to understand that relationship. In addition, she is an avid hiker, a embroiderer of colored threads, loves to write, and enjoys life on her small farm with her husband, 3 very helpful cats, Cedar the farm dog, a sassy duck named Hannah and loads of wildlife.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 1, 2022
Detailed and thorough but as distressingly vague as most others on what terms such as "organic" and "chemicals" mean. Very good resource, though!
December 2, 2022
I really liked this book. There was so much information about the different types of herbs over 100 of them I think and how to take care of them & what environment each prefers. Tips and tricks on composting etc. Colored pictures of each plant, colored designs for different types of garden layout ideas, & charts for each plant as well. Very educational and extremely helpful.
March 14, 2011
It is hard to imagine a more concise, enlightened or creative approach to the art, science and spirituality of herb gardening than Homegrown Herbs by noted herbalist and gardener Tammi Hartung (Storey Publishing). Hartung brings the spirit of plant and place together with gardeners and cooks in a way in this book that is at once uplifting, challenging and achievable.
It seems that great pains have been taken in many books on the subject of growing herbs and their uses to make them both devoid of any soul. So often, the beautiful common names of herbs are masked by the ponderous Latin (why do we suffer this any longer in gardening books for anyone other than scientists?) and the natural likes and dislikes of the plants themselves are generally ignored in favor of our gardening convenience. Hartung allows the names and plants to speak for themselves and guided with her intuitive words, beginning and experienced growers can learn for themselves about natural inclinations of herbs.
Hartung offers clear charts to plant characteristics and to their habitat preferences and again, organized by common names (with Latin following for all of you purists). The charts are separated by clearly illustrated and explained designs for raised and formal herb gardens as well as herbs in food gardens and gardens for children. Theme gardens are fun and Hartung includes another excellent and highly usable chart indicating common herbs that are appropriate for children, culinary, scented, tea, medicinal and wildlife garden uses.
Any garden is only as good as its soil and Hartung shares an excellent chapter of knowledge on soil development, composting and beneficial additions especially for herb gardens. Soil testing, amendments and natural complements are well covered and turned over effortlessly with Hartung’s natural, encouraging and knowledgeable style. Hartung supplies an excellent resource on propagation that is among the clearest and easiest to follow to be found in book form. So much more can be made of a life in the garden through propagation; starting from seeds, grafts, cuttings and more than could ever be achieved by just ordering plants from a catalogue.
Harvesting and processing herbs is no little job especially when an entire row is ready to go. Hartung spells out what can or should be harvested of the major herbs, how to save seeds, dry herbs efficiently and includes another excellent, highly usable chart on preservation based on the common name of the herb in question. No doubts or fumbling around trying to find the answer in another book or online. It’s all right here.
A great set of recipes are included that show how important herbs are to cuisines from around the world. It is hard to imagine a food or for that matter a meal, that does not benefit from the proper use of herbs. While it’s is not intended to be a cookbook, the recipes included are worthy references and will lead the adventurous to explore other ideas and cuisines easily.
Hartung wraps up the over-all well designed text with chapters on common pests and a bit of Integrated Pest Management techniques, medicinal uses for herbs with some preparations to consider and then devotes the last 70 pages or so to the ‘personalities’ of herbs. This is where the book really proves its value. In addition to the usual ‘shade or sun’ or simple hardiness zone information, Hartung presents the personality of each plant, its likes and dislikes in soil, water and companion plants. The photography in this section clearly shows each plant for rapid identification, a godsend in comparison to other books that may only show one of three. Hartung wraps up each listing with information on propagation, harvesting, culinary and medicinal uses and bloom traits; all in one place about each herb and organized by common names. Brilliantly simple and totally effective.
The new or experienced herb gardener, including those considering commercial benefits will not be led astray by Hartung or Homegrown Herbs. A lifetime of work and observation has gone into making it this good and the results are not to be missed.
Edible Notes received a copy of this book directly from the publisher and was not compensated in any way for this review
It seems that great pains have been taken in many books on the subject of growing herbs and their uses to make them both devoid of any soul. So often, the beautiful common names of herbs are masked by the ponderous Latin (why do we suffer this any longer in gardening books for anyone other than scientists?) and the natural likes and dislikes of the plants themselves are generally ignored in favor of our gardening convenience. Hartung allows the names and plants to speak for themselves and guided with her intuitive words, beginning and experienced growers can learn for themselves about natural inclinations of herbs.
Hartung offers clear charts to plant characteristics and to their habitat preferences and again, organized by common names (with Latin following for all of you purists). The charts are separated by clearly illustrated and explained designs for raised and formal herb gardens as well as herbs in food gardens and gardens for children. Theme gardens are fun and Hartung includes another excellent and highly usable chart indicating common herbs that are appropriate for children, culinary, scented, tea, medicinal and wildlife garden uses.
Any garden is only as good as its soil and Hartung shares an excellent chapter of knowledge on soil development, composting and beneficial additions especially for herb gardens. Soil testing, amendments and natural complements are well covered and turned over effortlessly with Hartung’s natural, encouraging and knowledgeable style. Hartung supplies an excellent resource on propagation that is among the clearest and easiest to follow to be found in book form. So much more can be made of a life in the garden through propagation; starting from seeds, grafts, cuttings and more than could ever be achieved by just ordering plants from a catalogue.
Harvesting and processing herbs is no little job especially when an entire row is ready to go. Hartung spells out what can or should be harvested of the major herbs, how to save seeds, dry herbs efficiently and includes another excellent, highly usable chart on preservation based on the common name of the herb in question. No doubts or fumbling around trying to find the answer in another book or online. It’s all right here.
A great set of recipes are included that show how important herbs are to cuisines from around the world. It is hard to imagine a food or for that matter a meal, that does not benefit from the proper use of herbs. While it’s is not intended to be a cookbook, the recipes included are worthy references and will lead the adventurous to explore other ideas and cuisines easily.
Hartung wraps up the over-all well designed text with chapters on common pests and a bit of Integrated Pest Management techniques, medicinal uses for herbs with some preparations to consider and then devotes the last 70 pages or so to the ‘personalities’ of herbs. This is where the book really proves its value. In addition to the usual ‘shade or sun’ or simple hardiness zone information, Hartung presents the personality of each plant, its likes and dislikes in soil, water and companion plants. The photography in this section clearly shows each plant for rapid identification, a godsend in comparison to other books that may only show one of three. Hartung wraps up each listing with information on propagation, harvesting, culinary and medicinal uses and bloom traits; all in one place about each herb and organized by common names. Brilliantly simple and totally effective.
The new or experienced herb gardener, including those considering commercial benefits will not be led astray by Hartung or Homegrown Herbs. A lifetime of work and observation has gone into making it this good and the results are not to be missed.
Edible Notes received a copy of this book directly from the publisher and was not compensated in any way for this review
May 11, 2018
Truly a remarkable guide. Very thorough. I borrowed it through OverDrive and it will be sure to pick up this one for my own!
January 15, 2024
Overall, the best parts of this book was the gardening advice. However, I am frustrated that the majority of herbs highlighted in this book are Mediterranean herbs best grown in dry and arid environments. It makes sense as the author is based out of Colorado. I just wish there would have been mention of that on the cover. I am in the Southeast and many of these plants would be challenging to grow in my region.
The herbal advice in this book is geared towards the beginner home herbalist. I do feel it lacks depth explaining when and how to use herbs. I would suggest other books for herbal advice.
Overall, a good gardening book but not my favorite as much of the advice doesn’t apply to my growing region.
The herbal advice in this book is geared towards the beginner home herbalist. I do feel it lacks depth explaining when and how to use herbs. I would suggest other books for herbal advice.
Overall, a good gardening book but not my favorite as much of the advice doesn’t apply to my growing region.
September 5, 2023
Not a page turner, but it's pretty and it's an excellent reference to herbs. It has charts, pictures, recipes, gardening tips, and details whether herbs are good for medicinal, culinary, or craft usage. It has pictures! It has simple directions for things like infusions, tinctures, ointments and salves, syrups and elixirs, but I feel like I might possibly need a little more detail if I were to make anything along those lines -- maybe not though. (I kinda like process pictures, and it's mostly just written out except for tinctures, that did have process pics.) Anyway, it's a handy guide book to herbs and I will be keeping it on my shelves.
April 25, 2023
If you are an herbal lover, anything by Rosemary is a must-read. My favorite thing about Rosemary's books is that they are for gardeners and herbalists of all skill levels. A perfect read for anyone looking to grow their herbal knowledge, and a great reference for those of us who have been using herbs for decades.
January 11, 2023
I wish there were half stars 😅 I didn't need a decent bit of the information in this book since it talks of large herb gardens and I'm trying to container plant or very small garden but a lot of the info was good to know
July 28, 2023
2.5 stars.
Hartung is trying to cover a lot of ground in this book, and the result is a lot of superficial and repetitive advice. She takes a long time to share simple concepts, and I found her political and homeopathic sidebars distracted from what knowledge-sharing the book was doing.
Hartung is trying to cover a lot of ground in this book, and the result is a lot of superficial and repetitive advice. She takes a long time to share simple concepts, and I found her political and homeopathic sidebars distracted from what knowledge-sharing the book was doing.
January 28, 2018
The best herb garden book ever!
March 25, 2022
Great reference text for growing and using many common medicinal and culinary herbs. Definitely adding this to my collection.
July 9, 2022
E book. Pretty good. A lot of information that I just skipped over. I just felt I didn't need it.
July 2, 2025
Excellent resource!
Read
January 15, 2026Dnf
June 14, 2015
A must-have for every herbalist and gardener.
Wow. Where do I even begin with this book?
This book is truly a must-have guide. It is chocked full of recipes, remedies, color photographs, and detailed information on cultivating your own herbs.
What I found especially useful about this book is how it is so extensive but still manages to be so detailed, simple, but not sloppy. This book covers everything from foraging recipes to how to create your own ointments to how to disinfect your garden tools.
This is a reference book you will have to bookmark, highlight, and review again and again and again.
Wow. Where do I even begin with this book?
This book is truly a must-have guide. It is chocked full of recipes, remedies, color photographs, and detailed information on cultivating your own herbs.
What I found especially useful about this book is how it is so extensive but still manages to be so detailed, simple, but not sloppy. This book covers everything from foraging recipes to how to create your own ointments to how to disinfect your garden tools.
This is a reference book you will have to bookmark, highlight, and review again and again and again.
November 5, 2011
I currently have checked out from library. I like it for the beautiful photos and all the useful suggestions, good inspiration. Also helping me to see what grows best in my soil, which has a lot of clay.
May 1, 2014
Not finished yet but I love this book so much I renewed it at library. Uhmm I might need to buy it. Too much good info in here!
Now done- excellent info in here! I put this on my wishlist to buy on amazon. This would become a great addition for my personal library.
Now done- excellent info in here! I put this on my wishlist to buy on amazon. This would become a great addition for my personal library.
July 17, 2018
Great resource! Lots of informative charts and lists if you need more info about a particular herb, and written in a clear and accessible style that kept things interesting the whole way through. Covers ways to use herbs in cooking, medicine, and around the house.
January 6, 2014
Really great reference book with clear diagrams and sourced articles.
May 27, 2015
a wonderful resource for people interested in growing herbs
May 5, 2019
Clear charts and easy to follow (and good!) advice for many culinary and medicinal herbs.
Read
February 28, 2019Great additional info on pest and disease control.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews