How to Grow a Biblical Garden

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. Genesis 1:11

On the third day God created plants... Anyone who has ever spent time tilling the soil, nurturing seeds and watching them bloom recognizes there is a very spiritual side to gardening—a deep communion with God that happens when we help nature flourish.

By creating a Bible Garden and growing the plants mentioned in God’s Word, we help draw that connection even closer. There are more than 125 plants, herbs and trees referenced in Scripture. The slideshow below features hardy varieties that would grace any garden.

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Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment… Matthew 23:23

This lovely plant is used to flavor licorice. Delicious in salads, the seeds are also added to cakes, breads, soups and stews.

Black Mustard (Brassica nigra)

He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Matthew 13:31

This ancient herb is easy to grow and quickly transforms into a highly prolific plant. Black mustard is an annual weedy plant cultivated for its seeds which are commonly used as a spice.

Christ's Thorn (Paliurus Spina-Christi)

They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. Mark 15:17

Christ's crown of thorns is believed to have been made from this plant. An ornamental shrub with small flowers that grow in small clusters, Christ's thorn should be placed in a container as it spreads easily.

Common Olive (Olea europaea)

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

The olive branch is often used to symbolize peace and brotherhood and is mentioned many times in the Bible: Zechariah 4:3, Deuteronomy 33:24 Job 29:6 and Job 15:33. A small evergreen tree with brilliant yellow flowers and light green foliage it is said to have come to the United States with the Franciscan fathers.

Coriander/Cilantro (Coriandrum sativu)

The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31

The leaves of this tasty herb can be used to season soups, salads and salsa. Seeds are often used as a flavoring for pickles, means and sausage. Coriander was brought to North America in the late 1600s and was one of the first spices cultivated by early settlers.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a stick. Isaiah 28:27

Cumin is also mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23). The cumin plant is a small annual that only grows to be about one foot in height. Used since ancient times, seeds excavated in India date back to the second millennium BC.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter dill, sow cumin, and put in wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and emmer as the border? Isaiah 28:25

The dill plant provides a valuable food source for butterfly larvae and will attract beautiful butterflies to your garden. This fragrant culinary herb is often added to sauces and used for pickling.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Among the bushes they cry out; Under the nettles they are gathered together. Job 30:7

The nettle is mentioned in several Bible verses: Proverbs 24:30-31, Hosea 9:6 and Zephaniah 2:9. This perennial plant is often found growing wild so select your location carefully as nettles are very hardy and can spread quickly.

For more information on growing Bible plants in your garden, here’s a full list.