In this episode, we’re diving into how to grow the herbs you’ll actually use—and how to make the most of them in the kitchen. From choosing the right herbs for Central Florida gardens to cooking tips and health benefits, we’ve got your herb questions covered!

Sources for Show Notes:  

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   
  https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   

• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   

• Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    

• Herbs in the Florida Garden https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/herbs/ 

• Herbs: A Series of Helpful Fact Sheets https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/05/04/herbs-a-series-of-helpful-fact-sheets/ 

• Homemade Potting Mix https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-potting-mix/ 

• Advanced Seed Starting (info on scarification) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/advanced-seed-starting/ 

• Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to You?  https://ourbloodinstitute.org/blood-matters/cilantro-tastes-like-soap/    

• Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People? https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap-to-some-people    

• Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510126/ 

• Shopping for Health: Herbs and Spices https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS225  

• National Herb Day: 1st Saturday in May  

• National More Herbs, Less Salt Day: Aug 29 

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.