Creating an Aromatherapy Garden: What to Plant, How to Harvest and Ways to Use

As a passionate gardener and advocate for holistic wellness, I've always found immense joy in growing my own aromatherapy garden each year. There's something truly magical about nurturing plants not only for their captivating scents but also for their potent healing properties. From the soothing aroma of lavender to the invigorating fragrance of peppermint, each plant in my garden serves as a powerful ally in promoting both physical and emotional well-being. In this article, I wanted to share my top 15 plants to grow to create an “aromatherapy garden”, including tips for planting, growing, harvesting, and using them after harvest.

Calendula:

Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors and transplant after the last frost.
Growing: Water regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Harvesting: The beautiful thing about calendula is the more you pick the flowers, the more they grow! Harvest flowers in the mid-morning after the dew has dried and when oils are most concentrated. Dry petals in a warm, dark place.
Use: Calendula-infused oil can soothe skin irritations, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. Calendula tea can uplift mood, soothe digestion and aid in menstrual cramping. Dried calendula can also be added to soaps for coloring and texture.

Chamomile:

Planting: Chamomile thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors and transplant.
Growing: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Pinch back flowers to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting: Gather flowers when fully open. Dry them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Use: Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties and can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Citronella:

Planting: Citronella prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in containers or in the ground, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart.
Growing: Keep soil consistently moist. Trim back spent foliage to encourage new growth.
Harvesting: Citronella leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the growing season.
Use: Crushed citronella leaves can be rubbed on the skin as a natural insect repellent.

Eucalyptus:

Planting: Eucalyptus require full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in a sheltered location in warmer climates.
Growing: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune to shape and encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting: Prune branches as needed.
Use: Eucalyptus leaves can be used fresh or dried for various purposes. To dry eucalyptus leaves, bundle them together and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. Once dried, eucalyptus leaves can be used to make herbal teas, infused oils, or potpourri.

Geranium:

Planting: Geraniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in containers or in the ground, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
Growing: Water when soil is dry to the touch. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Harvesting: Gather leaves and flowers as needed throughout the growing season.
Use: Geranium has a balancing effect on emotions and can help reduce stress and anxiety when inhaled.

Ginger:

Planting: Ginger prefers partial shade and well-drained, loamy soil. Plant rhizomes horizontally in shallow trenches with the eyes facing up.
Growing: Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting: Harvest ginger rhizomes when mature, usually after 8-10 months of growth.
Use: Ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties. Can be used to alleviate nausea, reduce inflammation, relieve menstrual discomfort, and support digestion.

Jasmine:

Planting: Jasmine thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Provide support for climbing varieties.
Growing: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Prune after flowering to shape the plant.
Harvesting: Gather flowers in the morning when oils are most concentrated. Use fresh or dry for later use.
Use: The aroma of jasmine has a calming and uplifting effect on the mind and can help relieve anxiety and depression.

Lavender:

Planting: Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil. Plant in raised beds or containers for improved drainage.
Growing: Water sparingly once established. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Harvesting: Harvest flower spikes when about half the flowers have opened. Dry them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
Use: Lavender has multiple benefits for mind and body. Lavender infused oil is renowned for its skin supporting properties as well as promoting relaxation and sleep. Dried lavender can also be adding to eye pillows and heating pads for its calming benefits. The dried flowers make wonderful additions within the home to create tranquil experience.

Lemon Balm:

Planting: Lemon balm thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in containers or in the ground, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
Growing: Keep soil consistently moist. Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth.
Harvesting: Gather leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
Use: Lemon balm tea can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation.

Lemongrass:

Planting: Lemongrass prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant it in containers or in the ground, spacing plants 24-36 inches apart.
Growing: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular watering, especially during hot weather. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Harvesting: Harvest lemongrass stalks when they reach about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut stalks close to the base of the plant.
Use: Lemongrass can be used fresh or dried to make herbal teas, infused oils, or culinary dishes. It can also be added to bath products for its refreshing scent.

Peppermint:

Planting: Peppermint thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. Plant it in containers or in the ground, ensuring adequate spacing as it spreads rapidly. *I highly recommend always planting in containers.
Growing: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular watering, especially during hot weather. Pinch back flower buds to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting: Harvest peppermint leaves throughout the growing season, preferably in the morning when oils are most concentrated. Trim the stems just above a leaf node.
Use: Peppermint leaves can be used fresh or dried to make refreshing teas, infused oils, or as flavoring in culinary dishes.

Patchouli:

Planting: Patchouli prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and partial shade. Plant it in a sheltered location or in containers to control its spread.
Growing: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Prune regularly to maintain its bushy growth habit and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Harvesting: Harvest patchouli leaves as needed once the plant is established. Select mature leaves and avoid damaging the stems.
Use: Patchouli leaves can be dried and used to make potpourri, sachets, or infused oils.

Rose:

Planting: Roses prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Choose a location with good air circulation to prevent diseases. Plant them in spring or fall, ensuring adequate spacing between plants.
Growing: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and prune in early spring to shape the plant.
Harvesting: Harvest roses early in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. Select blooms that are fully open but not wilted.
Use: Rose petals can be used fresh or dried to make rose water, infused oils, or potpourri. They can also be added to bath salts or other aromatherapy products.

Rosemary:

Planting: Rosemary thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. Plant it in a location protected from strong winds and provide adequate spacing between plants.
Growing: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Harvesting: Harvest rosemary sprigs as needed throughout the growing season. Cut stems just above a leaf node, avoiding cutting into woody growth.
Use: Rosemary can be used fresh or dried in culinary dishes, infused oils, or herbal sachets. It can also be added to bath products for its invigorating scent.

Sage:

Planting: Sage prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant it in a location with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Growing: Water sage regularly until established, then water sparingly. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and prevent legginess.
Harvesting: Harvest sage leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Select mature leaves and avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Use: Sage leaves can be used fresh or dried in culinary dishes, herbal teas, or infused oils. They can also be burned as a natural insect repellent, to spiritually cleanse a space or added to potpourri.

By incorporating these aromatic plants into your garden, you can create a fragrant sanctuary that promotes health, relaxation, and well-being. From the invigorating aroma of peppermint to the soothing scent of lavender, each plant offers unique therapeutic benefits that can enhance your daily life.

Want to learn more? Check out my book Science of Essentials: The Ultimate Guide to Using Aromatherapy for Health and Healing.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.