Discovering NC Agriculture is a social media series focusing on N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Originally started in 2025, this series has been renewed to run for another year! Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Culinary and medicinal herbs are a large part of our state’s specialty crop industry. From basil and cilantro to hearty celery and edible flowers, Shelton Herb Farm in Leland produces a variety of products each year for customers to enjoy in the kitchen, in the yard, in the garden and more.
Shelton Herb Farm is a Century Family Farm that has been in operation since the mid-1800’s. Although the farm’s focus has changed over the years, the Shelton family has always tended an herb and veggie garden for themselves. “About forty years ago, Margaret Shelton, the current owner of Shelton Herb Farm, saw a real opening in the specialty crop market for culinary and medicinal herbs,” said Alex Modly, Farm Manager at Shelton Herb Farm. “She originally started with ten herb varieties, and has grown to over 1,000 varieties of herbs, native plants, ornamentals and edible flowers.” Today, Shelton Herb Farm consists of 16 greenhouses, a 9,000 square foot yard, and a 4-5,000 square foot outdoor garden. “Margaret is known as the ‘godmother of farming’ because she truly is a pioneer in the culinary and medicinal herb industry of our state,” Alex said. “In fact, many local farmers got their start here at Shelton Herb Farm, learning from Margaret, before starting their own operations.” Although she is over seventy years old, Margaret is still a key figure on the farm today and can be seen nearly every weekend at the Farmers Market at Tidal Creek in Wilmington, where she sells products from the farm and serves on the board.
Production takes place year-round at Shelton Herb Farm, although availability will vary based on growing season and climate. “We grow with the seasons and climate of North Carolina,” Alex said. “All herbs, flowers, and plants have a specific time of year that they grow, much like other commodities grown across the state. For example, cilantro grows best from October to April each year, which means that we will have cilantro available during those months, but not outside those months.” Many herbs grown at the farm can be used as both culinary and medicinal herbs, like turmeric and oregano. Not only do these herbs add unique flavors to a variety of dishes, but they also contain lots of health benefits for consumers. “We often say ‘a marinade is nothing but a multivitamin,’” said Alex, “because many herbs have properties that benefit the human body, but are not always used for that purpose.” Historically, herbs were used by grandmothers and doctors alike to create medicines and tinctures. At Shelton Herb Farm, they aim to bring people back to their roots by providing them with the ingredients to rediscover some of our first medicines. “A great example of one that we have seen recently is wormwood,” Alex said. “Wormwood has historically been used by families in herbal teas and is making a comeback through the generations today.” From seed to plant, Shelton Herb Farm produces everything on-site, providing a high-quality product for customers across the state.
During the winter months, all plants and herbs are grown in greenhouses at Shelton Herb Farm. These plants are then transferred outside when the weather turns warmer in spring and summer. “We get plugs for a few things, specifically when high volume production is required, but mostly produce our own seed here at the farm,” Alex said. “This means that each step of the process, from seed to customer, is controlled on our farm.” The growth process is different for each herb and plant variety at Shelton Herb Farm, but to give us an overview, Alex shared their seed to customer process for basil. “Our seedlings start in the greenhouse in late February each year, where they are watered and cared for each day,” she said. “Watering is the most important thing that we do here on the farm, for all of our plants and herbs. Just like a hospital, we have to check each room and determine what each patient needs (ie: water, disease control, etc.).” Once the basil has grown in the greenhouse and is ready for harvest, it is then transferred to the outdoor garden to finish growing and be sold. All products at Shelton Herb Farm are seeded by hand in small batches with organic fertilizer.
Products from Shelton Herb Farm can be purchased every weekend at the Farmers Market at Tidal Creek in Wilmington or on-site at the farm in Leland. “I have many favorites here at the farm, and they all vary by season,” Alex said. “My top three are Salad Burnet (a cool season, perennial), Borage (a flowering spring plant), and Garlic Chives (herbs blooming in the heat of August).” Although the top sellers can vary based on seasonality and trends in the media, African Blue Basil, Hearty Celery and Edible Flowers are always popular products at Shelton Herb Farm.
In addition to producing herbs and plants, Shelton Herb Farm offers a variety of agritourism events throughout the year to educate the community on the importance of culinary/medicinal herbs and allow them to experience life on the farm. “Our Salad Bowl Class, which takes place Oct. through Feb. each year, is perhaps our most popular class because it teaches participants how to plant their very own salad bowl to take home, including winter greens and seasonal herbs,” Alex said. “We also offer farm tours, cool season gardening talks, and more throughout the year.” In fact, the old farmhouse on-site at Shelton Herb Farm is currently being renovated as an agritourism space for future events. Follow along on their social media channels for the latest information, updates and events! Tickets can be purchased for all events through their website.
Whether purchasing specific herbs for teas and spices or looking to start your own herb garden, Shelton Herb Farm is the perfect place to learn about herbs grown in our state and how to use them. “Growing your own herbs is a great way to learn where your food comes from and start producing your own ingredients,” Alex said. “Even if you have a small space, like an apartment or condo, herbs will grow and function well if you care for them properly.” We are so proud of all that Shelton Herb Farm is doing to further the specialty crop industry in our state! Follow along on their social media channels and website to engage with them throughout the year and learn all about the Herb of the Year – Turmeric. “We follow the Herb Society of America in celebrating the Herb of the Year each year, and we are really excited to showcase turmeric all of 2026,” Alex said. “We grow a lot of turmeric here at the farm, including black turmeric, and look forward to showcasing its properties all year long.” There’s no better time than now to start growing your own herbs, ornamentals and edible flowers, and there’s no better place to start than at Shelton Herb Farm!
