Herb Gardening at the Minnesota State Fair

MSHS educational exhibit
Stop by our exhibit near the Dirt stage in the Horticulture Building at the fair.

This year’s MSHS Educational Display at the Minnesota State Fair focuses on herb gardening, especially growing unusual herbs.  You’ll find an article on the topic in the September/October issue of Northern Gardener, which should be on newsstands now.

Minnesota herbalist and co-owner of the Leatherwood Vinegary in Long Prairie Nancy Leasman wrote the article, which highlights herbs such as Cuban oregano, patchouli, epazote, curry and cumin. Nancy also suggests some great combinations for an herb garden, such as “A Lemony Thicket,” which would include a variety of lemon-scented herbs, including lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), lemon verbena, lemon grass, lemon thyme and lemon basil. Doesn’t that sound wonderfully fragrant?

Many of the herbs Nancy writes about — as well as some classic culinary herbs — are on display at our booth in the Horticulture Building at the Minnesota State Fair. Stop by and smell the herbs!

Over this week, we’ll profile some of the herbs on display at the fair. Check back to learn more about them.

mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow — in fact, a bit too easy. Grow it in a container for a steady supply of refreshing leaves for tea and other beverages.