Greek herbs to grow in a summer garden?

[cubrinj]

I’m putting together a small summer herb garden this year and realized a lot of the flavors I associate most with Greek food come from really simple herbs.

Obviously oregano came to mind first, but then I started thinking about mint, dill, thyme, rosemary, and even things like mountain tea. It made me curious what herbs people from Greece or Greek families tend to actually grow at home during the summer months.

I also wasn’t sure if certain herbs are more connected to certain regions or types of cooking. Some seem tied to seafood dishes, others to roasted vegetables, grilled meat, pies, sauces, etc.

Would love recommendations, especially herbs that grow well in hotter weather and get used often in traditional Greek cooking. Curious what everyone here keeps planted during the summer.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Oregano would definitely be my number one choice, but I'd also make room for dill and mint. I use dill constantly in spanakopita, tzatziki variations, and with fava or other vegetable dishes. Fresh mint is wonderful in hortopita and certain meat dishes, and it adds a nice brightness that dried mint just can't match.

Rosemary and thyme are great if you cook a lot of roasted potatoes, lamb, or chicken. They seem to thrive in hot, sunny weather too, so they're fairly easy to grow. Parsley isn't always the first herb people think of with Greek cooking, but I find myself reaching for it all the time.

If you have the space, I'd even plant basil. While it's more associated with Italy, plenty of Greek homes keep basil in pots, often near the front door, and it's used in salads and other summer dishes. Plus, it smells incredible all season long!