Lunch-N-Learn Austin County

Free to the Public!  Light refreshments provided.  Bring your lunch to enjoy while you learn!

Topic: Oregano and Basil Varieties for the Post Oak Savanna and Blackland Prairie
Speaker:  Madeline Johnson, Co-Coordinator of the Horticulture Study Group, HSA Pioneer Unit
Madeline Johnson and Phoebe Lake started the Horticulture Study Group in 2020.  The herbs studied include oregano, basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary. The number of growers has varied from 16 to 22 over the years. In addition to measuring growth, the group meets monthly to learn about the herb. Meeting topics include botany, chemistry, cultivation, propagation, harvesting, storing, culinary and non-culinary uses. One of the most valuable benefits of the group is sharing our gardening experiences in growing these herbs. The basil and thyme studies have been published in Texas Gardener. The mint study is currently under review with the Texas Gardener.

Choosing the best varieties from the long list of possible varieties of oregano and basil for your garden can be overwhelming. Sometimes it is easier when the nursery label just reads oregano or basil. But some varieties perform better in our region than others. The Horticulture Study Group of the HSA Pioneer Unit is committed to understanding growth and hardiness differences.  This program provides information about seven varieties of oregano and 12 varieties of basil. Background information about growing and using each of these herbs is also covered. Hopefully, this information will help you choose among the different varieties of oregano and basil for planting in your garden.