How to Grow an Herbal Lawn
Benjamin Kilbride, Editorial Assistant at The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Need a break from mowing? Learn to grow an herbal lawn!
What Is an Herbal Lawn?
In an herbal lawn, you grow hardy perennial herbs that carpet the ground instead of the traditional variety of grasses. Herbal lawns look less manicured, but they require less maintenance and create a healthy habitat for pollinators.
Benefits of an Herbal Lawn
Once established, herbal lawns require no mowing, need less water than traditional lawns, and can withstand periods of drought.
Last for Years
Unlike grass, most perennial herbs won’t have to be reseeded. They will continue to grow and spread on their own for many years.
Good for Pollinators
Herbal lawns have the added benefit of flowering throughout the spring and summer. This creates a perfect habitat and food source for pollinators, such as native bees, honey bees, butterflies, moths, lady bugs, and many others.
How to Start the Lawn
To establish a new carpet of hardy herbs, start by digging up a few sections of grass here and there. In those areas, plant some healthy herbs, either transplants from a friend or seedlings from a local nursery. Fill in the extra space with rich, well-draining soil and water well. Once the plants are established, they will naturally spread. If you’d like to speed up the process, dig up a few more patches and plant extra herbs!
Types of Herbs to Grow
- Ginger Mint (Mentha x gracilis)
- Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
- Mother of Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)
- White Clover (Trifolium repens)
- Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
- Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
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