HOUSTON (CW39) – My husband and I are trying to move away from processed foods and add more whole foods to our family’s diet. He is on board, but one concern kept coming up: “How do we make simple meals taste flavorful and not boring?’ That is when I said, “We need to learn how to use herbs.”
That is where my good friend Jayla Fry comes in. Fry is the coordinator for the Texas Master Gardener Program, and she joined me on Growing Together to talk about the best herbs for Texas gardens, which ones are easiest to grow, and why timing matters so much in Southeast Texas.
Our conversation covered more than just what to plant. Fry explained must-know terms you may see on seed packets, shared which herbs belong in a “Texas starter pack,” and discussed why some favorites, like cilantro, can be a little trickier once the heat sets in.
What you’ll learn:
- The top three herbs Fry recommends for Texas gardeners.
- Best for beginners: Which herbs are the easiest to keep alive.
- Herb lifecycles: The difference between annual, biennial, and perennial herbs.
- Seasonal timing: Understanding cool-season vs. warm-season herbs.
- The parsley vs. cilantro debate: Resilience versus heat challenges.
- Kitchen pairings: Which herbs pair best with common proteins like chicken, pork, and steak.
Basically, this episode is a must-watch (or read!) for anyone trying to grow herbs in Houston without wasting time, money, or garden space. We cover what thrives here, what requires a bit more planning, and which herbs are truly essential for your kitchen.
How to watch on CW39+
You can stream “Growing Together” and all your favorite local Houston content anytime on CW39+. It’s our dedicated streaming service for smart TV platforms…