Editor’s note: Barbara Porsch is a Permian Basin Master Gardener. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

What to know: Grow these seven culinary herbs easily in Midland with these simple tips to ensure your plants will endure our intense climate. This guide covers local tips for herbs with medicinal properties like chamomile, oregano, peppermint, sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, including indoor and outdoor preferences, watering schedule, and more.

The big picture: Using fresh herbs is a great way to promote your health or upgrade your meals or teas. As a bonus, these herbs need simple maintenance and can be grown easily in small in-ground flower beds or indoor planters.

1. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Helps with sleep, reduces anxiety levels, and soothes upset stomachs. You can make tea by steeping dried blossoms in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Dry the blossoms by putting them in a shady area for about a week. Midland’s intense summer heat causes it to bolt quickly, stop flowering, or decline, so growing inside is better. Tips for growing in Midland:

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  • Needs 6+ hours of bright light daily, in a south- or west-facing window.
  • Use a pot at least 8–10 inches deep and wide with drainage holes.
  • Likes consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Harvest flowers frequently to encourage more blooms.

2. Oregano (Origanum spp.): High in antioxidants and is believed to protect against cancer, inflammation, and arthritis. Oregano loves heat, full sun, low humidity, and well-drained alkaline soils, conditions that match Midland well, so outdoor growing is a good option. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and resilient. Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Plant in full sun with good drainage. Grows well in 10–14 inch pots.
  • Water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the main way people kill this plant.
  • Pinch or shear the tips regularly to keep plants compact and productive.

3. Peppermint (Mentha xpiperita): Soothes stomachs, relieves indigestion, and lessens the discomfort of sore throats. Its active ingredient helps treat colds and congestion. It’s used in lots of delicious beverages but most commonly to make tea, hot or cold. Peppermint grows vigorously but takes consistent watering. It grows best indoors in Midland. Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Always grow in containers. Never plant directly in the ground. Use a large pot, at least 10-12 inches, with drainage holes.
  • Water when the top inch feels dry, around every 1–3 days. Do not let the pot dry out completely.
  • Place it in a bright window or under a grow light and keep the soil evenly moist.
  • Pinch or cut stems regularly to keep the plant bushy and productive. Cut back hard if it becomes leggy.

4. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Traditionally said to support memory and has strong antibacterial properties, particularly against bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Sage is native to the Mediterranean and handles Midland winters well once established. It wants full sun and excellent drainage, making outdoor growing the better choice. Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Plant in full sun with well-drained soil or a 10–12 inch pot that drains freely.
  • Deep but infrequent watering is best. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
  • Harvest leaves as needed. The plant recovers well from regular cutting.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Has been linked with remembrance and was traditionally recommended for “infirmities of the head and brain.” It is also used in baths or ointments to soothe aching muscles and rheumatism, and rubbing rosemary twigs on dogs is said to help repel ticks and fleas. Rosemary thrives in full sun and, above all, sharp drainage, so it is well suited to outdoor growing in Midland. Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Plant in soil in full sun with excellent drainage. It dislikes wet feet.
  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant and needs little supplemental water.
  • Strong stems can be used as flavorful kabob skewers.
  • Evergreen – produces year-round.

6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Considered a universal seasoning and is one of the three classic ingredients (with bay and parsley) in a French bouquet garni. In traditional European herbal practice, it has been used for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma because of its expectorant and antibacterial qualities. Thyme is easy to propagate by cuttings or division and prefers good light plus well-drained soil. Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Give it full sun or very bright light in an 8–10 inch pot that drains freely.
  • Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
  • Shear or pinch regularly to keep plants compact and productive.

7. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, and is often described as a “vitamin pill on your plate.” It is also valued as a natural breath freshener after eating garlic or onions and is a good plant for pollinators (plant a little extra if you want to support caterpillars). Tips for growing in Midland:

  • Plant in a 10-12 inch pot and bring indoors during the summer near a bright south- or west-facing window
  • Performs best with adequate water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
  • Benefits from regular harvesting to encourage new growth.