21 Herbs and Spices You Should ALWAYS Grow

In this video, I give you my best 21 herbs and spices that I recommend you should always grow in your home garden.
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)
*Disclaimer: Some links to products in this description and comments sections are affiliated, meaning, I receive a small commission if you follow these links and then purchase an item. I will always declare in a video if the video is sponsored and so far since starting my channel in 2011, I am yet to do a sponsored video.
0:00 Intro
0:22 1. Basil
1:17 2. Coriander
2:01 3. Kaffir Lime
2:42 4. Lemongrass
3:12 5. Turmeric
4:00 6. Ginger
4:40 7. Galangal
5:35 8. Oregano
6:22 9. Thyme
7:06 10. Lemon verbena
7:54 11. Dill
8:46 12. Parsley
9:34 13. Bay leaf
10:16 14. Mint
11:07 15. Chives
11:40 16. Curry tree
12:13 17. Rosemary
12:54 18. Chilli
13:31 19. Mustard
14:00 20. Fennel
14:31 21. Garlic
#garden #herbs #spices

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Everyone, I finally got this video done! Thanks for your ongoing support :) Feel free to visit my Website at selfsufficientme.com/

[@carpetcarpet1]

Thank you for the corny jokes😆

[@nancyfahey7518]

You are my favorite spice. Say no more.

[@dr.floridaman4805]

great video

[@melodytenisch6232]

@@nancyfahey7518 👵😁😁😁

[@suzukisentinel9570]

Cool fact about Coriander & King Tut. Didn't know that one. Did you also know that Basil was found growing around Christ's tomb after the resurrection?

[@silverjewy]

I’ve watched so many of your videos that my husband now says “Let’s …. Get into it” every time he tries to motivate me to do some gardening 😂😂😂

[@melodytenisch6232]

😄👍

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... Cool! :)

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Coriander is my favourite herb.

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Lemon balm, tarragon and dandelion leaves. Keep all your herbs and spices. Maybe add lemon balm. It's good for tea, and deters mosquitoes.

[@annal3708]

😅👍

[@nikhilgupta-yq7bj]

The video should be named 21 herbs and 101 dad jokes...

[@stonewallace379]

The Steve Irwin of gardening! One of your best videos yet, I love the format.

[@christinacooper8731]

I really appreciate all of your puns and dad jokes in addition to all of the homesteading information. ~Much love from Texas!

[@thairinkhudr4259]

0:22 1. Basil 1:17 2. Coriander 2:01 3. Kaffir Lime 2:42 4. Lemongrass 3:12 5. Turmeric 4:00 6. Ginger 4:40 7. Galangal 5:35 8. Oregano 6:22 9. Thyme 7:06 10. Lemon verbena 7:54 11. Dill 8:46 12. Parsley 9:34 13. Bay leaf 10:16 14. Mint 11:07 15. Chives 11:40 16. Curry tree 12:13 17. Rosemary 12:54 18. Chilli 13:31 19. Mustard 14:00 20. Fennel 14:31 21. Garlic

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for the timestamps! Cheers :)

[@thairinkhudr4259]

@@Selfsufficientme My pleasure ☺️ I love your work!

[@mweru1900]

Thanks for the list. Still watched the entire video. I enjoy the explanations and love the vibe ❤ 🤍 💙 🧡 🖤 ♥️

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

@OBELA HEALING HOME drobela Dr Obela Healing sells snake oil! If you go with Dr Obela Healing you'll lose your money and your health.

[@ribarimore8805]

Hey, that's cheatin'

[@alfredfullysick]

"Apparently his mummy used to cook with it" 😂😂😂 As always Mark- I came for the wealth of gardening knowledge, and I stayed for the high quality Dad jokes

[@troyb3394]

This one made me laugh so much. 🤣

[@user-zm8mj5nc4t]

I most certainly would include sage in my favourite spice list. I love the taste and the plant itself is attractive with its silvery leaves and violet flowers.

[@aninadebeer9008]

The warmth in my heart when I heard you say coriander can be used for Biltong, and not saying jerkey. Mark, you are loved very much by a South African pure Biltong lover

[@tdb7992]

Biltong is very very popular here in Australia. It’s probably more common and easier to buy than jerky. We have a very big South African community who introduced it to us 😊

[@KoryManX]

I love the sense of humor along with the education. Stay blessed!

[@christopherpollard7244]

Here I am in sub-tropic Virginia, USA enjoying my morning espresso. Highly inspired to get off to work today, oh how I dream of a property filled with my favorite plants for produce! Stumbled upon your videos about a year ago, likely the most enjoyable KZbin I watch these days. Your the bomb Mark!

[@Fiery154]

Hi neighbor! I also dream of this. But I am in Northern Virginia

[@iupetre]

I'm pretty sure Virginia is not subtropical but in fact temperate, and if you're on the coast or near it then you would be classified as a maritime temperate.

[@juneramirez8580]

@@iupetre from what I understand the United States all fall into the temperate zone. Within that zone, parts are also broken down into sub zones, therefore a subtropical zone in Virginia is correct from my research on the internet. It was an interesting artical.

[@lisagarris2533]

Hi neighbor, we're in the central Piedmont area of Virginia. So many things I'd like to grow here. Mark you are such an inspiration!

[@slipperypetesmeat]

@@juneramirez8580 if Virginia is subtropical Florida is on the equator.

[@JeriDro]

I actually lol'd at that mummy joke, haha

[@Ryan-xh7pe]

I friggin love when he says something menacingly and then puts on the biggest smile

[@georgepursley2832]

My Dad sailed with an ANZAC cruiser squadron on USS Chicago CA29, was in Sydney during the bad days, and always spoke well of you guys. Now I'll always think of him when I harvest and eat rosemary. Thanks!

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day George, we've always got along with US Service Personnel - mutual respect and also enjoy a laugh and good sense of humour. It's nice to hear that about your Dad. Thanks for sharing your story, cheers :)

[@petrosstefanis6234]

"apparently, his mummy used to cook with it" what a gem pun :}

[@ChristineROdera]

😂

[@asecondisahiccup]

here in NE Texas, oregano is a perennial. If a freeze does knock it back, it just comes back stronger. But I would caution you to keep it contained. It will continue to spread, and when you try to stop it, it is the hardest plant to dig up. The roots are thick as any carpet, and it will come back. It grows in full sun, but here with the 'hot as blazes' summers, it does best with some shade. I wouldn't do without it, but don't plant it in the middle of your garden. Always enjoy your videos, wish I lived where you live, and thanks.

[@Shrugboatt]

I want you to know that you are such an icon in my friend group that when we have a good harvest and someone comes over, we literally do your accent and say "G'day, it's Mark from self sufficient me!" you're a gem in the growing community! Thank you for all that you do!

[@stephenhope7319]

Years ago, and before I retired we used to buy "Italian Seasoning" by McCormick etc in the US. After reading the ingredients list and being retired, I now fill jars with my own grown "Italian Seasoning" . Starts with fresh dried herbs from MY garden, ie Oregano, marjoram, savory, basil, rosemary, sage and my favorite, lemon thyme. No need to buy it anymore and I can make enough to give away. Thanks Mark.

[@debbieolin8153]

Use the herbs to make your own salad dressings too!

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

0:24 Basil 1:17 Coriander (Cylantro) 2:01 Kaffir Lime 2:42 Lemongrass 3:12 Turmeric 4:00 Ginger 4:40 Galangal 5:35 Oregano 6:22 Thyme 7:07 Lemon Verbena 7:55 Dill 8:45 Parsley 9:34 Bay Leaf 10:16 Mint 11:07 Chives 11:40 Curry Leaf Tree 12:13 Rosemary 12:54 Chilli 13:31 Mustard 14:00 Fennel 14:33 Garlic

[@HadassahSikani]

Thanks. I was looking for this list😉

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

@@HadassahSikani You're welcome.

[@kathrynschmidt2860]

Thanks

[@janicefletcher725]

Thank you 💕

[@souljenni]

❤

[@miaash3870]

Your family is blessed to have you!

[@ericgardner3140]

I was born and raised in Oregon, and we have a tree native to the West Coast called Myrtle wood. It is a relative of the Bay Leaf, and on hot summer days, when the wind blows just right, the smell from these trees is magical! Now I live in Alaska, and would give my eye teeth to have a Myrtle wood tree in the yard! Bay leaves are ridiculously expensive here!😄

[@neilmcd0417]

"His mummy used to cook with it!" - Feeling proud of yourself for that one, Mark? LOL Very nice video!

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... I was pretty happy with the "mummy" joke Neil... Cheers mate :)

[@MooreDick]

Lemon basil has a good lemony smell, and then purple basil brings a unique color to the garden :) not replacements, just additional basil flavors.

[@duduzamkhize9369]

I always enjoy watching you do not hide any information ,

[@thatbird2]

Re Parsley, did you know that it's a soil antiseptic as well, Mark? I just let it run amok wherever it pleases. Also, re Bay leaves, fresh ones beat the heck out of the dried ones. I love your vids. You are an inspiration...

[@zvezdoblyat]

I always wondered why I bothered buying dried bay leaves. One day, I decided to get the fresher ones from the fridge section in the market. By appearance, it just looked slightly fresher, but the flavour was absolutely incredible. And as time went by with it sitting in the fridge, it got older and dried out more... and the flavour became richer. If I could only plant a single tree, I would get a bay leaf tree! It looks pretty too.

[@billytingen3567]

With so much unpleasantness in the world, you, my Friend, are definitely ALWAYS a breath of fresh air and so inspiring! This video as well as every other video of yours and I have watched so many of them, is a wealth of knowledge. I love everything about your channel, especially your sense of humor!!!! Cheers!!!!

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

@OBELA HEALING HOME drobela Dr Obela Healing will have you vomiting, and you will be poor.

[@kirstygibbons]

Totally agree with this comment I don’t even have a garden, yeah I come here and watch all of these videos, some of the more than once😊

[@pollyangel8564]

I grow heaps of herbs here in the tropics. Thanks for all your great info 🙏🏽🌱 At our local fruit & veg market last Sunday, I asked a lady next to me who was buying a few kaffir limes, what she does with them, she makes conditioner for her hair, she told me best thing ever and another lady says it’s very good for dandruff. We have a wonderful multicultural society here at the top end who I learn so much from, people seem delighted to give you information when you ask and even share their amazing recipes❤️

[@AllGrowing]

That sounds so nice! When people mention the tropics - where do they refer to?

[@pollyangel8564]

@@AllGrowing I am in Darwin Australia

[@AllGrowing]

@@pollyangel8564 Thanks, Polly Angel, for the clarification!

[@RJack1915]

Just regular Chives. We have both Garlic Chives and Standard Chives. I make a wonderful Antique Standard Chive soup. It is wonderful. I have given this recipe to many.

[@clairewright8153]

Would you please share your recipe, I must admit I’ve never come across a chive soup.

[@RJack1915]

@@clairewright8153 I cook the bacon in the oven and use it as a garnish and wed do not use the hard boiled eggs. Old-fashioned Cream of Chives Soup 1 cup potatoes, diced water 1/4 pound bacon, diced 2 cups chives, chopped in small pieces (approximately1/8 inch long) 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 5 cups milk 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped Put diced potatoes in a saucepan and just barely cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium; cook until tender (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat. In the meantime put bacon in a Dutch oven or other large pan and begin to fry. About 3-4 minutes before the bacon is crisp, stir in the chopped chives. Continue stirring until the chives are wilted and the bacon is crisp; then stir in flour, salt, and pepper. While continuing to heat, gradually stir in milk. Add cooked potatoes (the water they were cooked in can also be added) and chopped eggs. Reheat until hot; serve.

[@clairewright8153]

@@RJack1915 thank you so much going to have to cook this soup over the weekend 😀😀😀

[@RJack1915]

@@clairewright8153 Enjoy!

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

I love your gardening hints and tips as to really helping a not so experienced gardener like me to do better. But I have to admit, the thing that really keeps me coming back is your dry sense of humor. It just really resonates with me. A lot of people don’t understand my humor, but I just really appreciate so many of your off-the-wall comments. Thank you for your hard work, and many blessings!

[@thatsawrap8]

"Why did the spice get bullied? Because he was ginger." 🤣 love it

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

Send me a bill I'm taking that joke 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thatsawrap8]

@@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice 🤣🤣🤣

[@juneramirez8580]

That joke went right over my head!!! But for some reason many jokes do. Finally got it!!! Lol.

[@thatsawrap8]

@@juneramirez8580 weheyy! Got there in the end hehehe :)

[@audreye7078]

@@juneramirez8580 it did me too.. even then, it wasn't funny for me.. oh well🤷‍♀️

[@trmiller83]

I haven’t grown a single thing my entire life, but I love watching these videos. I am going to try growing some of these. I’m over on the Northeast USA. I’m mostly hoping that by growing some myself I’ll gain some of the dad joke ability you have.

[@CuriousIntrovertAndHerCat]

Maybe try growing corn. Then at least your jokes can be corny.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Get into it Tim! You'll find after a short time of growing just how easy it is... Start small and then slowly expand if you want. Cheers :)

[@andreacremeans1055]

Some of your first plants could be lettuce. Those do well in a cooler environment and are an easier set and forget kind of plant.

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Also try growing squash, so u can squash it !

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

If u want more thyme, grow thyme,lol.

[@Midsummer333]

You've gotta love plants that "thrive on neglect" 😂

[@4paws70]

Hi, I am starting my very first veggie and herb garden I was wrapped when I came across your video's. My plans for what I was going to grow were small, now I find myself measuring out every bit of space I have for the veggie's. I find your video's inspiring, uplifting, informative, easy to follow and have given me the confidence to just go for it!. It is also nice to watch a fellow Aussie, thanks for the video's they are awesome!!!

[@smb123211]

I'd advise go small. I now have a third of an acre under landscaping and it got to be too much. Weeding, trimming, additives, planting, watering...help! For the last two years I've mixed flowers and veggies & herbs with great success. This is far easier and has far fewer pests, Good luck.

[@christinatennakoon5829]

Sage is also a great herb... I grow it to make yarrow and sage infusion tea. My garden is also riddled with lemon balm ... great again for tea... and bees in early summer.

[@ijemand5672]

What's with the apostrophes? Do you know at all how to use them?

[@4paws70]

@@ijemand5672 Life must be so, so small when you actually take time out just to criticize people. Who the hell are you the grammar police, why don't you just slink back into the hole in which you came from and leave the comment section to those who have something positive to say. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '' '' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ''

[@elleshaknight9550]

​@@ijemand5672Super unnecessary comment and not at all helpful to anyone here for gardening advice.

[@thatsawrap8]

Your channel saved me and my health. Thank you so much 💓

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's lovely to hear! All the best :)

[@thatsawrap8]

@@Selfsufficientme 😇

[@alisoncrossey6984]

Ive been following your channel for ages and have now discovered your website. I was particularly interested (and impressed) with the article you wrote about mental health. It was carefully set out, highlighting a self sufficient life doesn’t always mean hiding away in the hills but to be more in tune with nature. I could relate to that as I’m sure others will once they’ve read it. Lots of subtle humour too which we come to expect when watching your videos! Keep up the brilliant all round work and take care 🇬🇧

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Alison, and thank you for the feedback on my article! I do love writing but have not had a lot of time lately to write or blog as much as I want - we'll get there... All the best :)

[@deborahb6520]

From a fellow Queenslander from south Brissy and new mini courtyard container grown citrus , figs, papaya, and few veggies l thank you for your awesome videos love your work mate. .. learning heaps from all your content.. cheers

[@BlightStorm]

I've found that almost anything in the mint genus/family loves a hard prune (almost to the ground). A nice sprinkle of new soil and then it reshoots with brilliant Luch new growth. Great for when your mint gets too tough and hardy, usually from an overly sunny spot without an abundance of water.

[@Fudgerius]

Hi Mark, I used to live in Australia (QLD) for two years and you really taught me a lot about gardening at the time. I was very lucky to have access to a big backyard to practice in. I miss Australia dearly, and your videos make me feel very reminiscent to the warm climate and prolific plants. We're entering the cold seasons here now (The Netherlands), and you bet I'll be watching your videos all winter long to get through it! 😊Thank you for your fun, warm, educational videos!

[@ernameyer1244]

Thank you so much for this inspiring video. I will definitely plant more herbs. I'm from South Africa

[@Liren1975]

Hey Mark, I'm in Louisiana, zone 9. There's a garlic recommended for hot climates called Creole Garlic. It grows well here as long as it's planted in the fall and allowed to grow during the winter. If you can get your hands on it, it may work for you. Otherwise, great video and thanks!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for the tip on garlic Lisa - I'll do some research and see if I can get some! Cheers :)

[@Treelover-li2ze]

@@Selfsufficientme if you do find it grows well please do a video on it! I’d love to be able to grow some 😄

[@katrienvh4289]

@@Selfsufficientme australian garlic sells them!

[@smileyouralive5187]

Hey Lisa I'm a Blanchard Also from Louisiana too, I'm going to look up the creole garlic thank you so much 🥰

[@Liren1975]

@@smileyouralive5187 You're welcome!

[@lelleithmurray235]

Good morning Mark! If you grow fennel, you'll also attract swallowtail butterflies, which are absolutely beautiful. I found out by accident one year that fennel is a prime food for swallowtail caterpillars.

[@a.p.5429]

Parsley too. Flowers second year.

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Lelleith! I didn't really talk about how these herbs attract beneficial and beautiful insects to the garden - thanks for mentioning it! Cheers :)

[@llovebleach6530]

Yup, I plant extra knowing I'm gonna loose some to those beautiful creatures. I think of it as a fair trade- I help feed their young, they grace my yard with their calming beauty....

[@patriciatinkey2677]

@@a.p.5429 Thanks...I was wondering how to get parsley seeds! Now- thanks to you- I know it's bi-annual.

[@ccloud8201]

Yes! I’ve now got some fennel stands, which expand annually here in North Carolina. And I’m expanding the parsley as well. I see many black swallowtails and watch them lay their eggs on the plants. Many caterpillars, but the Carolina Anole lizards hang out in the fennel, so I rarely get to see a chrysalis. But hey, nature! Thanks for this great video.

[@danielforde-pogson]

Don't forget the fennel flowers are also delicious. I often pick a few to eat when I walk past my fennel. They're like the sweets of the garden. Tricky to harvest the seeds, but worth it!

[@haroldfloyd5518]

When I worked at colonial Williamsburg, I used to pick bay leaves right off the trees that flanked the deck overlooking the 9th green of the executive golf course. Patrons would ask for recipes which I gladly sacrificed since I knew they couldn’t duplicate the taste of fresh bay leaves.

[@cathleentownsend4378]

I can't believe you didn't mention sage! I love fresh sage on eggs, and it's easy to grow.

[@Sluretje]

Sage is awesome!

[@WakandaBabe]

I love sage and I grow it. I love when it flowers. A great perennial.

[@lauriemclean1131]

The cilantro / coriander controversy in the USA is even more complicated than you might think. 🤔 LOL 😂 We call the green leafy herb cilantro and the seeds coriander.

[@SanDiegoCaliforniaUSA]

Controversy? That was first ever heard cilantro was actually called coriander in English. But, hey, guess you do learn something new everyday. Now I can just call it cilantro no matter what. 😂

[@SunshineCountryChickens]

Correct!

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... Don't overload my brain Laurie! 😁👍

[@lauriemclean1131]

Coriander seed is mentioned in the Bible, guys. In English. I have to admit, though, that cilantro is not to be found there. 🤔 "And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; ..." Exodus 16:31 "And the manna was as coriander seed..." Numbers 11:7

[@SanDiegoCaliforniaUSA]

@@lauriemclean1131 Cilantro (Spanish) translates to coriander (English).

[@catherinehenry6762]

Very nice list thank you! I also like Lemon Balm, Chamomile (german), Tarragon, Shallots.

[@sophiabaloun1564]

Lavender is one of our favorites. It’s about a dollar a stem in the stores because of boutiques and wineries making it seem like a luxury, but one plant goes a long way, and every year increases the yield. We use it in lemon lavender smoothies and some deserts. I think it has the potential to go well with red meats as a part of a glaze. Lavender can also be used in bath products and medicinals. Thank you for the fun you add to your videos! We almost don’t need a garden, we could just thrive on all your puns and rhymes! -Sophia

[@ronareid7956]

Dried Lavender together with dried lemon balm and dried mint, wrapped in cheesecloth and added to a hot bath, is divine! Lavender is often included in fancy combinations of Herbs de Provencal and used for cooking savory dishes and vinegrettes! Lavender oil ( i make it in a slow cooker using only Lavender and Coconut Oil) is an amazing treatment for all kinds of burns, offering immediate pain relief and results in minimal, if any, scarring. It took me more year 50 years to discover this simple truth and I want to share it with everyone.

[@jerrirussell7146]

I would add sage is good for so many things especially dressing is awesome I locked your video I learned a lot of stuff about different spices and herbs I didn't know about keep up the great work you're awesome

[@melodytenisch6232]

I like sage too.👍

[@garden4life622]

Agree! Sage is a must in my herb garden.

[@aratplayer3623]

you can also chop up dill leaf (not the root) and mix up with pork/beef mince and other species to make pork/beef steam bun, one of my fav other than leek pork bun 💕

[@musiquefrique]

A great day to garden eh? Love your “dad jokes” and your down to earth accessible advice. It’s given me courage to follow a dream! THANK YOU LEGEND!

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

Favorite 'herb' = Lavender (The best edibles are English lavender varieties, like Hidcote, Munstead, and Lady) Good in tea, fish, etc.

[@purplelinny]

Oi. As a relatively new gardener (with raised beds), I decided to try a few more herbs than just basil and oregano this year. I gingerly (🤪😂) put rosemary, thyme, fennel, dill, and basil in a big container, and mint on its own. If I can keep them alive, we'll graduate to bigger containers next year. Thanks for the great tips!

[@patriciatinkey2677]

🍀🍀🍀

[@hzlkelly]

Your family is so blessed with all this food supply. They literally don’t go grocery shopping 😂

[@angerainbow9200]

"Is this a Rose? Mary" on my sides 🤣 Brilliant. Here in Western Australia I let alot of the herbs go to seed. They pop up in the garden. They appear to grow better for me this way.

[@BigBaddaBoom]

Among many of the names for Cilantro, in the part of Brazil I grew up in, we called it cheiro-verde, which is literally, green aroma. We used lots of it and garlic.

[@enicole1203]

I learned something new! I've never heard of galangal. Mark, I love your videos and your ridiculous puns thanks again for the great advice!

[@mfcabrini]

My grandpa used to grow his own horseradish. After harvesting he would sit on the front porch and grate it. You could smell it 2 blocks away. Wonderful with potatoes and winter stews.

[@zephy7054]

Found your channel this morning and the binge has begone I love your enthusiasm about growing food.

[@grandmothergoose]

Two of my favs you didn't mention: Cinnamon and nutmeg... oh to have enough space for large trees like that!

[@Selfsufficientme]

I've looked into cinnamon and apparently it is possible to keep the tree smallish with pruning. I'll have to do more research on nutmeg but I agree it would be great to have both spices grow on our property as they are so dominant in world food and we would definitely use them. Cheers :)

[@paulbuckeljr8870]

I prefer Greek oregano because it has a little more bite. Also, French tarragon is fun to nibble on when I'm in my garden. Cheers!

[@nancyfahey7518]

Have you tried the hot and spicy oregano? I think a possum got mine. I'll have to get more.

[@williemaykit7940]

@@nancyfahey7518 I didn't know there was a hot and spicy version. Sounds pretty interesting. Is there a special name/variety to look for?

[@Selfsufficientme]

Nice choices! Thanks :)

[@nancyfahey7518]

@@williemaykit7940 I'm in Florida. Not sure about the name except hot and spicy. One at the Publix the other 2 years later at Lowes. So it's getting around.

[@williemaykit7940]

@@nancyfahey7518 thanks! I will look for them up here!

[@Creative-Chaos]

Your humor is simply delightful! I cannot help but chuckle and grin from ear to ear every time I watch your videos. What's more, I find that I am also learning something new with each video, which is a rare combination in the world of entertainment. Your unique ability to educate and entertain simultaneously is truly a gift that not many possess. Keep up the fantastic work, and please know that you have a devoted follower in me!

[@denicebizz7342]

I 🥰your garden and how you put yourself out to us all to teach us Ozzie's what's best growing. 🙏

[@denimacaz]

I love herbs and spices and you’ve put together a terrific list, Mark! A must in my garden is Marjoram. I love cooking with it or adding fresh leaves to salads. Just rubbing my hands along the plant as I walk the garden and inhaling it’s perfumed aroma is reason enough for me to grow it. If Marjoram has to give someone the boot (though I don’t see why we can’t all play in the garden) then for me it would have to be kefir lime. Not because I don’t enjoy it but because I don’t use it enough to warrant the space it requires in my small garden. Thanks for another great video!

[@LuvMiddleEarth]

I grow Marjoram and found it burned easily in the hot sun, Australian sun. I'm a few hours inland from Mark and it needs a light shade for it to be protected even in the sub tropics. But yes, it is very easy to grow, drought hardy and it's still alive even after all the rain and heat it's been through.

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Denise, yes Marjoram is a great choice! I guess being a close relative to oregano I decided to choose that instead but I sure get why you would want Marjoram on the list. Cheers :)

[@denimacaz]

@@LuvMiddleEarth Happy to meet a fellow marjoram grower 😉

[@LazyboyRecliner]

Thanks Mark. It may just be coincidence, but I like that you upload videos right on time for coffee in America. It's a great way to start the day

[@melodytenisch6232]

☕😊👍

[@Selfsufficientme]

No coincidence mate, I want my USA friends to have the best experience watching my vids so coffee time is upload time! Thanks! Cheers :)

[@meylopes476]

this man has such a genuine smile i cant help but smile too

[@GeckoHiker]

I love Bay-Zel! I just planted six different kinds. We are still eating pesto from last year, carefully frozen. Just add the oil fresh when you thaw it. We like it with olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, and switch out the expensive pine nuts with American sunflower seeds and pepitas.

[@bhoyt2111]

Absolutely one of the best gardening channels on KZbin. When you can provide advice from growing in the subtropics and your advice is still pertinent here in North America ,Montana specifically ,that is truly amazing. Thank you so much Mark.

[@crzyhrsldy1]

it is

[@WoodlandsArchive]

Thank you Mark! Over here in Sweden we plant garlic in autumn and leave it over winter. Turns out great the next summer. Even though my climate is different from yours I still learn heaps from you. You have made me build raised beds, and we sure ate a lot of beetroot leaves last summer. Keep up the good work!

[@CuriousIntrovertAndHerCat]

I haven't gotten around to growing beetroot yet. Not many of my family members enjoy it(myself included) but I look forward to trying the leaves now! I already learned that I like radish greens better than the roots. (Not so good raw but amazing cooked up like collards).

[@Selfsufficientme]

Glad to hear about your raised beds! We also had our fill of beets last season (still have it dried and pickled). Thanks and all the best :)

[@WoodlandsArchive]

@@CuriousIntrovertAndHerCat I did just as Mark recommended. Small bed, 1 packet of seeds. We ate the leaves all through summer. In autumn we owenroasted some and pickled the rest of the beets. Very nice! Wish you good luck for the coming season.

[@wilmaknox6422]

@@CuriousIntrovertAndHerCat Radish Top Soup is a favorite!

[@debbieolin8153]

I admire Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval nun who was a herbalist. I put in a culinary herb garden, a tea garden, and a few for medicinal purposes. I never buy herbs or spice mixes at the store. Seasoning mixes include salt which tends to sink to the bottom. Making your own, you eliminate the salt and have a higher concentration of herbs.

[@legends_of_the_void]

I'm 34 years old and just bought my first house with a decent sized property. You have been my inspiration to garden and I'm making a raised garden bed now as well as building a chicken coop. Lets....... Get into it!!

[@nancywhite2014]

My mother used dried sweet mint in her cheese filling for her manicotti. Delicious 😋 addition to the dish.

[@helenmccormick1982]

Dill is great too in stuffed shells or manicotti

[@Selfsufficientme]

It does sound delicious alright! YUM :)

[@nancywhite2014]

@@Selfsufficientme my mother picked the mint from the yard and dried it, too. She also made her own thin crepes and rolled into manicotti around the cheese filling. My favorite 😋! Her homemade sauce was awesome 😎

[@skittlesrainbowprincess]

I am a rare person who really doesn't like pesto 🙀 but I found that I love lemon basil! So that would be my substitute only for personal reasons. Lemon basil goes great in seafood pasta. Thanks for the appetizing video 😊.

[@hauntedshadowslegacy2826]

Ahh, hello there fellow rarity. For me, pesto is just too bitter and oftentimes too sand-like. Something else that goes well on seafood, however, is a sweet chilli in a cream sauce.

[@skittlesrainbowprincess]

@@hauntedshadowslegacy2826 I agree wholeheartedly!

[@shanevillis4079]

@@skittlesrainbowprincess me too.. pesto is just shit

[@bridgethaig8923]

That was soooo funny when you said dill is not invasive, I had some growing in Virginia, it's seeds blew into neighbors yards everyone had dill after that. Love your videos.🌱

[@Homesteading247]

I love watching your educational videos you make gardening fun 🌱

[@TruthSayer2007]

Hi Mark! With all this AMAZING looking food you’re growing, I’d love to see you show us some recipes using you’re ingredients!

[@cathleenbaldwinmaggi2252]

He has another channel with recipes

[@DragonflyenAmber]

Awesome list, very comprehensive. I don't think there is anything I would remove. One thing I would love to grow are Vanilla Orchids so I could have my own supply.

[@emilypich476]

Vanilla comes from orchids?? Please tell me more!

[@DragonflyenAmber]

@@emilypich476 The vanilla bean is the stamen from the vanilla orchid.

[@kelliwiemers6445]

@@emilypich476 I think you have to ferment the beans before using for it to be like the vanilla we're familiar with.

[@rosalindsimmons1339]

Hi Mark Love your channel. A famous chef once said 'if you don't know how to cook with chervil, you are not a proper cook An often overlooked but beautiful to use when parsley is asleep , Is Chervil - sometimes called French Parsley. It can be used anywhere that parsley may be used. It has a slight aniseed flavour and is particularly good with fish and chicken and creates interest in salads. It is used fresh, it self seeds and grows pretty much all year round in Melbourne. What's not to love about Chervil???? Love Ros

[@margaretburnham5683]

Your videos are always such a joy to watch

[@shanewaters592]

Lavender. A very versatile edible famous for its aroma. The flowers easily release their pigment for colourful dishes. And the pigment is pH sensitive, so lavender flowers added to lemonade (preferably from fresh lemons) gives you a bright pink refreshing drink.

[@llovebleach6530]

My sister steeps hers in sugar water before making her lemon curd from her myer lemons.... absolutely amazing flavor. Also great for the medicine cabinet as lavender has antifungal and antibacterial properties

[@dorothywarner8141]

♥️

[@Myn6211]

Great list Mark. There's a couple in there that I personally would not grow simply because I can not "eat" them but that's not to say they aren't excellent choices for others. For me, my most important herb is Borage as it's so attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is a crucial companion plant for me and butterflies love it as well. The cucumber taste of the young leaves is really awesome. One other herb that I have that's not on your list is Lovage. It's stalks, leaves roots and seeds can all be used. It has a lovely celery taste and can be used anywhere you would use celery, be that in a salad, salsas, an eggsalad sandwiches, salsas, soups, stews and so on.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Both Borage and Lovage are excellent choices! Borage was one of the first herbs I planted here (besides Bay leaf). I haven't grown borage or for ages and can't recall trying Lovage but I will soon. Cheers :)

[@radfem2010]

@@Selfsufficientme I grow borage and like the young leaves. It's awesome for attracting bees and ups the pollination for my basils and other plants. Beekeepers like to grow it because it helps increase honey yields. Also great compost and for helping rehab soil with more nitrogen as a fixer both by planting it and through compost. It's one of those plants that likes to spread and pop up in strange places too. I haven't tried loveage but grew a HUGE celery plant from left over grocery bits. Harvested a lot.

[@andanssas]

So both of them _age_ well? Does one age with _love_ and the other with _bore_ 😜? I checked some lovage images with yellow flowers, do you eat those as well?

[@SN-sz7kw]

Agree - once planted it has grown steadily on its own at our farmhouse in Czech. Right next to the chives that are also taking over - in a good way.

[@aratplayer3623]

@@Selfsufficientme bay leaf are sooooo gooood when slow cook pork belly and pork ribs! ❤️

[@krissifaith6709]

Thank you for always sharing your beautiful oasis with us...you are so inspiring and we appreciate all your help making the world greener and healthier.

[@sabrinabrooks6696]

Great sense of humor

[@creative_grassrootsgarden]

Watching from Florida. You have a gorgeous garden!!! My family and I have recently started a small backyard garden! Less than 2 years in our new home and we've completely transformed the backyard into a beautiful garden space. We are beginner gardeners, growing and learning along the way. I started a gardening channel to help encourage others to start growing as well. No time better than now to learn self sufficiency. 💚🌱 Great video.

[@Selfsufficientme]

I just watched your celery growing video - very nice! I like your cardboard wrap... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH7HqJSnj9WBbrc Cheers :)

[@creative_grassrootsgarden]

@@Selfsufficientme Thank you! 💚🌱

[@charlenefrancisfrancis1733]

I also live in Northeast FL - just subscribed to your channel

[@wanderlustchicklmtlori]

I’d add sage and remove the fennel. Simply because I can’t stand it lol. I grow sage in my garden to keep the bugs away along with the thyme and oregano. And all the herbs I grow we not only eat but I make herbal medicine remedies with them. Love your channel and I recently became a member of your Patreon, Mark! You’re truly inspiring and a wonderful gardening mentor❤️ Thank you!

[@murphychurch8251]

Oh yes, sage! A great medicinal plant. And my Italian boyfriend showed me an easy, cheap and quick dish, very handy when I couldn't make it the grocery store. Take sage leaves and garlic cloves, let them fry just gently with some butter in a frying pan (so the butter takes the taste of sage and garlic, they should fry but not too much so they don't get bitter), add some salt+pepper later, and after a while just add cooked pasta, mix the whole thing and you're done. That's a very simple, fast dish with ingredients one usually has in storage, and I like it. 😁

[@alicialawson5077]

@@murphychurch8251 l

[@llovebleach6530]

Too bad you don't care for licorice. What about anise? Fennel seeds produce anise. I also use the in breads in stead of caraway sometimes. Makes the BEST Reuben sandwiches!

[@jeffreydheere4737]

We took the season totally off when it comes to gardening, however, I couldn't resist Greek and Italian Oregano, most of which came back up from last year. Over the summer, I picked and dried enough oregano to fill a quart mason jar with the herb compressed down as hard as possible. Actually it was much more than a quart because I kept eating it along the way. Since we're in December in the Northern Hemisphere in the USA, I'm making plans of what to grow in 2023. I'm probably going to do mostly salad greens in a hydroponic indoor system as well as to start any seeds to put out in the warmer months.

[@rochellevanderboegh2122]

we grew basil, and I love harvesting the seeds, you will smell good for a long time. :)

[@DerDekan]

Hi Marc, i would suggest take Sage into the list. (instead of Turmeric) I am not sure if would grow well in the subtropics, but it also a mediterran herb with a lot of good benefits. Beside being delicious with chicken and lamb meat, it give also a good and healthy tea in case you have a cuff or influenca.

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day DerDekan, yes sage does grow best here through winter and struggles in summer but I agree with you it's certainly a contender for the top 21. Cheers :)

[@sternistellaris]

Why instead a turmeric? T could be a life changer, it even helps with cancer. Tumeric is a multi- case plant, It is in my top 5. But of course I would go with Sage too, why not? We just dont need to exchange it.

[@toniafoster2157]

@@sternistellaris 👍 YES, I Definitely Agree 100%. Turmeric is a Great plant and Should Definitely be in the Top 5. Best Plants on 🌎 Earth. It's Properties are Awesome in So Many Ways! It's Anti Inflammatory abilities are Wonderful and a Game Changer!

[@pikachu2639]

Hy Mark, some of the plants you mentioned, i have never heard of. Thanks for expanding my knowledge. I would add horseradish to that list. We (in Slovenia) use it a lot, especially during Easter.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Horseradish is another top selection! Thanks for taking the time to share yours. Cheers :)

[@SweetChicagoGator]

What foods do you use the horseradish for in your country, Slovenia?

[@jenniferbriski567]

As a foodie - I wouldn't remove any of the herbs / spices that you currently have, but one of my favorites to grow is Applemint. It's a variety of mint that has a sweeter fruity note added to a mellow mint flavor, it's all natural and has been around for over 100 years - and makes an amazing tea/ infusion. I do live in a 4-season climate where we get from sub-zero temperatures to exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit - but since you can grow mint there it should be able to grow for you too!

[@crystalblue38883]

Love that you have Curry and Bay Leaf on the list. Got those plants last year on line - although in my clime have to bring them in in the winter. I read that one bay leaf per day is very beneficial - just eat one off the tree a day. The curry is soooo much fun. Doing well in my pots so far. Both got as almost tiny sticks in the mail. Like both lavender and lemon balm as a relaxing tea. I guess you'll have to do another video on medicinal herbs. in addition to above would add: Nettles comfrey dandelion root and leaf marshmallow root elderberry flower and berry to name a few Love your show - always super informative!!

[@Vienna1902]

Great video Mark, thnx! In my region (continetal Croatia) rosemary branches are worn on traditional weddings - all wedding guests get a rosemary branch decorated with a ribbon in colors of national or regional flag tied in a bow and pin it to the lapel. As of the list, I would add a sage.

[@hunthicks]

Summer savory is probably my favorite herb, as here in Atlantic Canada it's used for a number of dishes, especially around the holiday season. It goes well with turkey and chicken, as well as potato stuffing and roasted potatoes. It's easy to grow and gives a flavor that reminds me most of oregano, but it's pretty unique.

[@Selfsufficientme]

I hadn't heard of Summer savory! Another one added to my list of herbs to try... Thanks :)

[@kittiew260]

@@Selfsufficientme cold stratification seeds is a must. Did it this season 100% Germination

[@Oozmacappabruderhood]

"ahhhh verbena" 😂 both educational and funny

[@Virgoan958]

Your intro is amazing to my ears

[@mrb3135]

I don't know if you can grow the types of peppers needed for paprika in your funky climate, but paprika is almost as important as garlic. Yum, yum and yum to both.

[@mweru1900]

Is paprika made with a particular type of pepper? Thanks

[@mrb3135]

@@mweru1900The other day I was just reading about which are the best peppers for paprika on Wikipedia. Unfortunately, I have the short-term memory of a 90-year-old goldfish with a real bad case of dementia. So you'll have to look it up yourself. All I remember is that the good stuff comes from Spain.

[@benf8706]

I would replace the coriander with Culantro (long coriander)! Yes, you'd miss the seed powder- but Culantro dries well, retaining color and flavor. It also retains flavor in cooking. Maybe I'm just partial to the intense cilantro flavor, but it's got that great "summer" taste in my opinion. It would also do much better in your climate than in mine. Thanks for all you do 👌 From Ohio, USA.

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's a good replacement reason (flavour) and I also find Culantro has a better growing range than standard coriander and won't bolt as fast. Thank you! :)

[@ycleong3030]

This gentleman is fantastic in his presentation !!😄😄

[@SSvitch]

Thank you Mark! I wrote down 6 spices from your list Here are some of the spices/herbs you may want to grow :) they are mostly from central/eastern, Europe: Anise Barberry Cardamon Marjoram Pursley Tarragon Sage Sorrel Spinach Horseradish Cinnamon Cumin Sesame Sumac Badian Vanilla other sorts of mint (lots of them)

[@DanaD555]

Hi Sergey, I am East European living in the US, I grow up at my grandparent's farm( so I am a gardener for over 55 years ) but never heard, nor saw anyone growing Vanilla, or Cinnamon in our area. Maybe you know something we don't know. Please share. Thanks!

[@joannc147]

YUM….fresh sage in browned butter over pasta…amazing ❤. Sage overwinters here. I may need to plant some more! I really need to try some horseradish as I love that flavor.

[@rosalindsimmons1339]

Tarragon is another under used herb. Thanks for the reminder. I will plant some this season❤

[@MsTwiththeTea1980]

@@joannc147that sounds delicious 😊

[@MsTwiththeTea1980]

@@rosalindsimmons1339sounds good 😌 I never tried targon

[@Lulusnotreadyforthis]

Watching from the northern UK with no greenhouse available, nodding my head and going ''hmmm, should I plant galangal or turmeric?" 🤣

[@dottyehammett8071]

Love your videos. We have a special place in our heart for Australia. Our son was an exchange student in Hobart, Tazmania. Your explanations of how to grow a variety of plants is wonderful! We have grown our total garden in containers for years. I love container gardening and you have been an inspiration!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Dottye! I love container gardening also (even though I do have the space to grow in large beds) there's a real sense of versatility growing in containers that I really enjoy. All the best :)

[@OujiDarkmatter]

Hi Mark,I'm rapt I found your channel a while back though I tend not to comment but always thumbs up and often share or at least send to gardenning friends and relo's.You've truly taught and inspired me heaps,thankyou.I'm an old bird at 61 who fled Melbourne 10 years and a bit ago for SW coast Vic,dairy country and the sea.I've got one of the smallest yards in the town I'm in but the soil's great and I can easily access forest where with a bag and spade I can scoop off some humus(it's not stealing,it's relocating and spreading the health),plus mates properties around.I'm adoring my lil mission from seeds to plate,plants for the wonderful op-shop and gifting organic,TASTY,fresh veges etc.So,I just wanted to let you know how much your work has helped me in so many ways-mentally,physically and spiritually.It's amazing what you can do even in a too small yard!I'm feeling a bit self sufficient!Cheers

[@murlthomas2243]

Rosemary is for remembrance. In the States up until the early 1900’s, we frequently had rosemary growing near our gates. My housing addition doesn’t allow fences or gates in the front yard, so my rosemary is in my back garden.

[@Chimel31]

Someone remembers his Shakespeare... 😊