Medicinal Herb Guild

A collection of medicinal herbs that grow well together and provide a range of remedies for common ailments. Many of these plants are also good for pollinators.

Medicinal Soil: Well-drained Loam Light: Full Sun Water: Low to Moderate
Guild Ratings
7/10
9/10
8/10
9/10

Herb

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Native perennial with aromatic leaves and showy flowers that attract pollinators. Used for tea.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Low to Moderate
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Plant Size: 3.0' tall × 2.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: July - August
Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Native medicinal herb with immune-boosting properties. Attractive to pollinators and drought tolerant.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Low to Moderate
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Plant Size: 3.0' tall × 2.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: July - September
Mint

Mentha spp.

Aromatic herb used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Spreads aggressively and best contained.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate to High
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 2.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - October
Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Aromatic herb with lemon-scented leaves. Used for tea, cooking, and medicinal purposes.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 1.5' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - September

Vegetable

Garlic

Allium sativum

Bulbous herb with strong flavor and aroma. Repels many insect pests and has medicinal properties.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 0.5' wide
Planting Season: October - November
Harvest Season: July - August

Dynamic Accumulator

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Medicinal herb that accumulates nutrients and attracts beneficial insects. Drought tolerant.

Native: Yes
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Low
Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 7.5
Plant Size: 3.0' tall × 2.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - September

Pest Repellent

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Aromatic herb with medicinal and culinary uses. Deters many pests and attracts pollinators.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Low
Soil pH Range: 6.5 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 2.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - August

Recommended Planting Instructions

No detailed planting instructions are available for this guild yet.

Planting Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring Planting (6 plants)
  • Wild Bergamot April - May
    Herb
  • Echinacea April - May
    Herb
  • Mint April - May
    Herb
  • Lemon Balm April - May
    Herb
  • Yarrow April - May
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Lavender April - May
    Pest Repellent
Fall Planting (1 plants)
  • Garlic October - November
    Vegetable

Harvest Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Summer Harvest (7 plants)
  • Wild Bergamot July - August
    Herb
  • Echinacea July - September
    Herb
  • Mint June - October
    Herb
  • Lemon Balm June - September
    Herb
  • Garlic July - August
    Vegetable
  • Yarrow June - September
    Dynamic Accumulator
  • Lavender June - August
    Pest Repellent
Fall Harvest (4 plants)
  • Echinacea July - September
    Herb
  • Mint June - October
    Herb
  • Lemon Balm June - September
    Herb
  • Yarrow June - September
    Dynamic Accumulator

Monthly Activity Calendar

Plant Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Wild Bergamot P P H H
Echinacea P P H H H
Mint P P H H H H H
Lemon Balm P P H H H H
Garlic H H P P
Yarrow P P H H H H
Lavender P P H H H
P = Planting Time H = Harvest Time
Fresh Garden Salsa
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Summer

A vibrant, fresh salsa made with ingredients straight from the garden. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Instructions:

1. Finely dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno peppers.
2. Chop cilantro leaves.
3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
6. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment.

Herbal Immune Tea
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 1 Season: Year-round

A soothing herbal tea blend designed to support the immune system. Made with herbs that can be grown in a medicinal herb guild.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Echinacea
  • Mint
  • Yarrow
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:

1. Harvest equal parts elderberry flowers, echinacea leaves, and yarrow flowers.
2. Add a small amount of thyme and mint for flavor.
3. Dry herbs thoroughly or use fresh.
4. Mix herbs together and store in an airtight container if dried.
5. To prepare tea, steep 1 tablespoon of herb mixture in 8 oz of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
6. Strain and add honey to taste if desired.
7. Drink hot 2-3 times daily when needed for immune support.

Wild Mint Tea
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 2 Season: Spring/Summer

A refreshing herbal tea made from foraged or home-grown mint. Perfect for summer afternoons or as a digestive aid after meals.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Mint
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Instructions:

1. Harvest a handful of fresh mint leaves (any variety).
2. Rinse leaves thoroughly.
3. Place leaves in a teapot or cup.
4. Pour boiling water over leaves.
5. Steep for 5-10 minutes depending on desired strength.
6. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.
7. Serve hot, or refrigerate and serve over ice for a cooling summer drink.

Rustic Potato and Herb Skillet
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Year-round

A simple and delicious potato dish with fresh herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:

1. Wash and dice 2 pounds of Russet potatoes.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet.
3. Add potatoes and cook until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes.
8. Serve hot as a side dish.

Classic Marinara Sauce
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 6 Season: Summer

A versatile tomato sauce made with Roma tomatoes and herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add 3 pounds of Roma tomatoes, crushed.
5. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Use with pasta, pizza, or as a base for other sauces.