Meet the Farmers: "The Herb Lady"

Meet "The Herb Lady" 

Math and science teacher Donna McKenna thought that selling the herbs she grows would be a good way to raise money for her high school students’ trip to China last year. She packaged some herbs, added a few tried-and-true recipes, and set up shop at the Mainstreet Statesboro Farmers Market. The response surprised her.


“I was amazed at the response from people who bought my fresh herbs,” McKenna said. “I filled small packages with one or two types of herbs, added a recipe that I knew would be good, and sold the packages for a reasonable price. “ She didn’t understand her success until she checked out the shipped-in, packaged herbs sold at local grocery stores. Not only were they more expensive than hers, they weren’t nearly as fresh and appealing.


This year, in addition to oregano, thyme, dill, mint, garlic, rosemary, basil and sage, McKenna is growing horseradish, cilantro, sweet bay, tarragon, and stevia leaves (for use as a sweetener). She’s added fennel and sprouts this year, too, so it’s not difficult to see she enjoys growing her garden.

“For my birthday this year, my husband gave me two truckloads of organic soil for my raised beds,” she laughed. “And he bought the soil from the Farmer’s Market vendor that sells organic soil!”


McKenna first learned her gardening skills in Connecticut and Maine, but moved here with her family 15 years ago. She smiles when reminiscing about the “learning curve” that came with gardening in the summer heat of Georgia.


McKenna picks herbs the night before or on the morning of the market, so you can be sure that she offers the very freshest produce. When you’re at the market, stop in check out new recipes and fresh new flavors, and say hello to “The Herb Lady.”